The biggest shock of this season so far has been the pace and power of Aston Martin – particularly two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard sits third in the championship and Aston Martin are second in the constructors with only Red Bull above.
It’s been a sweet switch for Alonso. The decision to leave behind Alpine for Aston Martin is proving bountiful. Alonso has claimed four third-place finishes from five races so far, amounting to a total of 75 points.
Alonso’s manager, Italian Flavio Briatore, was fundamental to the move. The Spaniard won both his world titles under Briatore in 2005 and 2006. It was Briatore who capitalised on the key changes made at Aston Martin.
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“Then they (Aston Martin) raided the number two of Red Bull and Mercedes, and are investing heavily in technology and the factory (at their Silverstone base),” the former team boss said, referring to the signings of Dan Fallows from Red Bull and Mercedes chief aerodynamicist Eric Blandin.
He went on to state: “For these reasons, I pushed Fernando to join Aston Martin, which is now second (Constructors’ Championship) after (five) Grands Prix.
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“Aston did well in the last round in Miami, although it was not exactly a circuit that suits the car well, but if nothing unexpected happens, the World Championship is already (decided), but some circuits like Monte Carlo can always (create) a big surprise.”
Although such changes have catapulted Aston Martin into competition, they still trail the raging Red Bulls. Nonetheless, a second-place finish in the constructors will surely be welcomed.
No one expected to see Aston Martin above Ferrari and Mercedes. There is no doubt that Alonso will be feeling smug as he continues to outperform ex-teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton.