Aston Martin’s Astonishing Hungary GP Performance Raises Questions
Aston Martin experienced a remarkable turnaround at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, achieving their best qualifying results of the season with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll taking fifth and sixth on the grid. This unexpected success comes just one week after a disappointing performance that saw the duo at the back of the pack in Spa-Francorchamps. However, Alonso expressed concern over the team’s inability to pinpoint exactly why their performance had improved so dramatically.
A Puzzling Victory
Despite finishing fifth and seventh, the team is left puzzled by their newfound competitiveness. Alonso reflected on the contrasting outcomes of Spa and Hungary, noting, “We need this week at the factory to analyse exactly what the differences are… the concerning thing is that we don’t know why.” The Spaniard highlighted a new high-downforce front wing as a potential game-changer but acknowledged that its impact was unexpectedly significant.
Changes in Setup
Along with the front wing, Aston Martin reverted to the previous Imola-spec floor, which has reportedly yielded positive results in the simulator. Alonso remarked, “Everything that we brought to the track is delivering exactly what the wind tunnel was saying.”
Understanding Track Differences
The differing characteristics of the two circuits likely played a crucial role in the contrasting results. The Hungaroring’s medium-speed corners differ significantly from Spa’s long straights and high-speed sections, and this shift may have favoured Aston Martin’s setup.
Boosted Morale and Future Challenges
The team has climbed from eighth to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship following their 16-point haul in Hungary, providing a much-needed morale boost. “We were a little bit down in terms of motivation,” Alonso admitted, signalling a shift in team dynamics.
Caution for the Future
While the morale is high, team principal Mike Krack has urged caution, stating, “You cannot jump, normally, from the back of the midfield to the front of the midfield within seven days.” With the upcoming Dutch GP presenting another challenge on a tight and twisty track, the stakes will be high to maintain their newfound competitiveness.
Alonso remains optimistic about the upcoming race, recalling his strong performance in previous years but tempered expectations as the team continues its quest for consistent results.
The next race at Zandvoort will be a crucial indicator of whether Aston Martin can sustain their upward trajectory, setting the stage for an exciting part of the season.
