Fernando Alonso slipped into 21st place in Austrian Grand Prix qualifying, marking Aston Martin’s third consecutive back‑row finish at the Red Bull Ring.
Aston Martin’s Bulky Start 2026
The Silverstone outfit will occupy the back row for a third straight race. Alonso’s 21st and his stablemate Lance Stroll trail the field by a sizeable margin, making the Austrian weekend the most discouraging yet.
Qualifying Gap to the Pack
In Q1, Alonso and Stroll were 2.859 s and 3.280 s slower than Kimi Antonelli’s benchmark, and 0.997 s and 1.418 s behind the quickest Cad‑team car, Sergio Perez, who was 19th. Notably, the 2026 cars received no upgrades this weekend, whereas F1’s debutant outfit updated its machine.
Step‑by‑Step Evolution Since FP1
Alonso highlighted gradual gains: “Since FP1 we’ve tightened drivability, gearbox shifts, and energy deployment,” he explained on the radio. “The first three laps showed consistent deployment, letting me push corners with confidence.” He noted the qualifier lag was less than in any of the three practice sessions.
Team’s Focus on Consistency and Upgrades
The squad remains committed to building performance. “We’re still working as if we were fighting for points or podiums,” the two‑time champion said. “Even after the Cad‑team’s upgrades, the team is pushing hard behind the scenes.”
Motivation Amidst the Slow Start
Alonso described the crew’s resilience: “It’s difficult to stay motivated when always last, but the team never gives up. That keeps drivers focused.” He added that seeing technical meetings and briefings supplies a reminder that the car’s potential still lies ahead.
With no upgrades slated until later in summer, the gap will narrow only gradually as the car progresses toward its next race.
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