Fernando Alonso’s 2025 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin has been fraught with challenges, leaving the two-time world champion yet to score a point after four races. This marks his most difficult start to a season since 2017, highlighting both technical issues and the team’s lack of competitiveness.
A Season Marred by Technical Setbacks
Alonso’s campaign began with consecutive retirements in Australia and China. In China, a brake failure forced him out of the race on lap four. Aston Martin later revealed that Alonso was using a different brake duct setup than teammate Lance Stroll, which led to the malfunction.
In Japan, Alonso managed to finish the race but only in 11th place, narrowly missing out on points. He described the performance as a “miracle,” given the car’s limitations, and criticized the AMR25’s lack of speed, stating it was “the slowest car on the straights”.
The Bahrain Grand Prix presented further issues. During practice, Alonso’s steering wheel detached mid-lap, a dangerous incident that required immediate attention. Although he managed to reattach it and return to the pits safely, the session was significantly disrupted. In the race, he finished 15th, extending his point-less streak.
Aston Martin’s Struggles
Aston Martin has acknowledged that the AMR25 is underperforming, ranking it as the eighth most competitive car on the grid, only ahead of Sauber and Haas. The car shows some strength in high-speed sections but struggles significantly in slower corners . The team is undergoing a transitional phase, with the departure of Technical Director Dan Fallows and the upcoming arrival of Enrico Cardile from Ferrari. Additionally, they have secured Adrian Newey as a technical partner, aiming to improve performance by 2026.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the setbacks, Alonso remains committed to the team’s long-term vision. He has emphasized the need for continuous development and hopes that upcoming upgrades will enhance the car’s competitiveness. With the next races approaching, Alonso and Aston Martin are focused on turning their fortunes around and securing their first points of the season.