Fernando Alonso emerged from Saturday’s qualifying at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with a grin as wide as Imola’s Tamburello curve, buoyed by Aston Martin’s impressive showing.
The team’s new upgrade package, the first crafted in their state-of-the-art Silverstone wind tunnel, propelled both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll into Q3, a feat that felt like a distant dream in the opening races of 2025.
Alonso bagged a stellar fifth-place starting spot while Stroll was P8, a testament to the upgrades’ immediate impact. The Spaniard’s optimism was palpable as he reflected on the team’s turnaround, a stark contrast to their struggles 12 months prior.
Aston’s Upgrades Deliver
Speaking to the media at Imola after qualifying, Alonso radiated relief and cautious excitement.
“To be with both cars in Q3, it really lifts a little bit of pressure from the shoulders of everyone in the team,” he said.
The upgrades, introduced on Friday, had shown promise in practice, but qualifying was the real test.
“The package that we introduced yesterday, we had some positive results, but you never know until you go to qualifying,” he noted.
©AstonMartin
While thrilled, Alonso remained pragmatic, aware that Imola’s layout might flatter the car.
“We need to keep feet on the ground, and maybe the track characteristics, it does help the Aston, so we’ll need to see in Monaco and Barcelona. But so far, happy with the improvement.”
Sunday’s Cautious Outlook
Looking to Sunday’s race, Alonso tempered expectations, knowing Imola’s tight confines make overtaking a nightmare.
“It’s going to be a tactical race,” he said. “As always in Imola, it’s difficult to overtake. Less stops possible for everyone because then you cannot overtake on track.
“I expect to have a good start, good strategy, and let’s see the pace. I think it’s not as good as P5, so I’m ready to lose a couple of positions, but hopefully not too many.”
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Newey: F1 2026 rules ‘slightly scary’ but room for innovationDespite the strong grid position, Alonso knows holding fifth will be a tall order, but he’s banking on strategy to limit the damage.
Yet, for the two-time champion, fifth place is merely a stepping stone. With the 2026 regulation changes looming, Alonso’s ambitions soar higher.
“I want to be in Australia next year and win the race,” he declared, his eyes fixed on a future where Aston Martin isn’t just scraping into Q3 but fighting for victories.
For now, Imola’s qualifying has injected fresh hope, and Alonso is ready to ride the wave, one tactical lap at a time.
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