During the first practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin experienced a harrowing moment. His car nearly crashed at the harbor front chicane when the rear lost grip, causing a fishtail towards the barriers. Alonso expertly regained control despite damaging the car’s front-wing endplate, steering clear of a major collision.
Aston Martin’s Challenging Practice Sessions
The second practice session proved to be a more challenging affair for Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll. Alonso finished 20th, while Stroll recorded the slowest time overall, lagging 0.880 seconds behind him.
Alonso’s Insights on Performance Issues
Alonso expressed his frustrations regarding the car’s handling. He noted significant difficulties with front grip and chronic understeer. “We are losing a lot of front grip in the middle of the corners,” he explained.
- Alonso criticized the inconsistency of the car’s downshifts.
- He emphasized the importance of precision in upshifts, downshifts, and cornering.
- Overall, he conveyed disappointment with the car’s performance in Monaco.
Mixed Feelings on Hybrid Regulations
The veteran driver also shared his thoughts on the current hybrid car regulations. Alonso declared this generation of cars as the worst he has driven in Monaco. He pointed out issues with engine braking linked to the battery’s charge state.
“Sometimes you have less braking, sometimes it pushes,” he remarked. He advocated for a reevaluation of the hybrid rules, declaring, “Hybrid cars should not be racing. Simple as that.”
As the Monaco Grand Prix unfolds, the performance of Aston Martin continues to raise questions for fans and analysts alike.
