Fernando Alonso endured a challenging weekend at the British Grand Prix, as Aston Martin tumbled down the pecking order at the Silverstone International Circuit.
Since promising after the Spanish Grand Prix that he’d finish every remaining race this season on the podium, Aston Martin and Alonso have started to struggle.
The Silverstone-based team have slipped behind Mercedes and Ferrari in the pecking order, whilst they were also behind McLaren last weekend.
Alonso remarkably salvaged seventh at the British GP, with him openly admitting that the result was “better than the pace we had”.
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For the first real time in 2023, Aston Martin were visibly slow throughout the Grand Prix, raising questions as to whether they’ve gone backwards since introducing some major upgrades.
The two-time World Champion was battling with the likes of Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Alex Albon in the closing laps at the team’s home race; however, he did brilliantly to remain ahead of both drivers.
Aston Martin claiming seventh 12 months ago would’ve certainly been seen as a positive but based on their rise this season, it’s largely been taken amongst the paddock as a negative for the team.
With this in mind though, Alonso was quick to note that being amongst the top eight is a “gift for us”, based on where the side were throughout last season.
“We were slow all weekend, and lacked the pace versus Checo and Albon,” Alonso told Fox Sports MX.
“I think P7 is a bit better than the pace we had. Other teams were flying out there on Saturday and they finished nine and 10…we need to avoid that.
“The last couple races we were not so fast, but we need to look at the big picture, it is a gift for us to be in this position right now, we didn’t expect it at all; let’s see if at the end if other teams finish ahead of us it will have been because they deserve it.
“Let’s see if Hungary brings better things, it’s positive on paper but we’ll see…anyway, I’m be here for you Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to report on the funeral or party in instance.”
Whilst Alonso wasn’t seen on the podium, he was seen causing trouble in parc ferme.
The Spaniard was clearly listening to an interview being carried out with Oscar Piastri in the media pen, with one of the questions having resulted in a comical reaction from the 41-year-old.
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As a result of Lando Norris finishing second with Piastri in fourth, McLaren overtook Alpine in the Constructors’ Championship.
When Piastri was asked about McLaren overtaking Alonso’s former side, the Spaniard could be seen with a huge smile on his face.
There is clearly no love lost between Alonso and Alpine, given that the veteran was seemingly delighted for his former team to have fallen a place in the standings.