According to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Aston Martin’s recent wind tunnel and simulation data has suggested that the Silverstone-based team will catch Red Bull’s RB19, should they continue with their current development plan.
Aston Martin’s rise has without a doubt been one of the stories of 2023, given that they finished seventh in the Constructors’ Championship last season.
Now it’s reported that they’re set for the very top, based on their recent sim data.
Aston Martin claimed their sixth podium of the year last weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, once again thanks to two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.
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The British team installed a sizeable upgrades package to the AMR23 for the Canadian GP last weekend, which helped Alonso remain within 10 seconds of Max Verstappen.
Whilst Verstappen was victorious once again, it was very noticeable that his winning margin over Alonso was considerably smaller than usual.
Verstappen won in Monaco and Spain by over 20 seconds, compared to Sunday where he won by just under 10.
The smaller winning margin was recognised by the Dutchman after the race, who wasn’t surprised to see Aston Martin reduce the gap given that they introduced several upgrades.
“From our side, I don’t think it was our best day, because of the tyre temps and stuff. So that doesn’t help,” Verstappen said after the race, as reported by Crash.net.
“But I also know that with their updates, they naturally of course improved. So, for sure, they got closer to us.”
Aston Martin are reportedly set to install another large upgrades package at the British Grand Prix, where they could challenge for their first victory.
“We will only be able to optimise the package in Spielberg and Silverstone,” Alonso said after finishing second in Montreal.
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Mercedes also see the Silverstone International Circuit as their best chance of a win this year, suggesting that next month’s race is going to be a thriller.
Should Aston Martin further reduce the gap to Red Bull at Silverstone, then they could find themselves performing at a similar level to the Austrians in the second half of the season.
If this is the case, then Alonso could potentially grab himself a couple of wins, something he’s failed to do since 2013.