Aston Martin have enjoyed a remarkable season, jumping from P7 in the Constructors’ race in 2022 to P2 this year due to their revamped design.
With Fernando Alonso in the driver’s seat, Aston Martin have taken five podiums in six races, with P3 in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Miami and P2 on the streets of Monaco.
Alonso’s teammate Lance Stroll has recorded three points finishes as well, taking P6 in Bahrain, P4 in Australia and P7 in Azerbaijan, although he’s been plagued by DNFs in Saudi Arabia and Monaco and a pointless end to the race in Miami.
On the other side of the grid, Red Bull have found themselves riding high with a 100% win record this season thanks to Max Verstappen’s four victories and Sergio Perez’s P1 finishes in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
With Barcelona proving an important race for both drivers, as Alonso’s home race and the site of Verstappen’s first win, the pair could find themselves doing battle yet again.
“Yeah, but I will not put any pressure on my team or myself,” Alonso said post-race.
“I will not get into Barcelona thinking that I will win, and (then) disappoint anyone. We have to have (our) feet on the ground.
“We will need weekends where Red Bull has some issues like Sergio had here with zero points.
“And if Max has one or two of those, we will be a little bit closer in the championship.
READ: Toto Wolff admits admiration for Lewis Hamilton’s nemesis
“But on pure pace, I think we don´t have the chance yet.”
The Constructors’ title currently looks out of reach for Aston Martin, with Red Bull having built up a 129 point lead over their nearest rivals.
The Drivers’ trophy also looks like Verstappen’s to lose, as the Dutchman holds a 39 point lead over his teammate and 51 point advantage over Alonso.