HardikS wrote: ↑05 Apr 2025, 22:47
Fluido wrote: ↑05 Apr 2025, 21:47
Of course Alonso was one of best drivers from 1994 to now, but can he still perform on that level is question.
Also you forgot that Lewis in first year in F1 beat Alonso.
If you are really following Alonso from his return, then you should not ask the "perform on that level" question. I will give you his Aston stint performance report from the last 2 years. In 2023 he performed at his very best despite Aston downgrades in the second half of the season. He got 4th in the standings with an average of the 3rd or 4th best car over the whole season. In 2024, Aston's car was not at the level of 2023 because competitors improved while Aston regressed performance wise; even their single upgrades are not working after a long time.
In 2024 Aston was fifth fastest only in the first half; in the second half they were probably 7th or 8th fastest, and now in 2025 they are the same as in 2024. Sadly, Williams, Haas, and RB improved. So obviously there is frustration creeping in now due to lack of car performance, and
to cover that, Alonso is driving very aggressively or pushing too much to gain time. This is the main reason for his frequent mistakes after last year's Imola upgrade package. If Alonso is performing very badly as you are questioning, then how is his pace still fast? Also, check his race start reaction time; it's very good.
Of course, I am not saying he is performing at a very top level considering all there are genuine reasons citing his age and body recovering from injury problems. But I can assure you, just give him some positive car performance upgrade packages, and then he will get back his motivation, and he will be back to his usual consistent top level like in the 1st half of 2023.
Lewis and Alonso both are greats of sport. If you are judging Alonso based on the 2007 season, then you're only downplaying Lewis's achievements. Alonso was not at his best in 2007, and also Lewis was fearless in his rookie season. Both tied at the same points despite one of the weakest Alonso season performances, so the word "BEAT" is totally disrespectful. Lewis himself under performed in many seasons, but that doesn't diminish his skills, achievements, and legacy. Try to respect rivals. Gone are those days when two number 1 champion-level drivers competed against each other for the title in the same season, like Prost-Senna or Hamilton-Alonso. Even current McLaren drivers are struggling despite their top car for the last 12 months, which has consistently performed at a great level. On the current grid, only Verstappen proved his champion caliber, while others are still improving or waiting for opportunities like getting a title-contending car. Also, Verstappen has yet to face a competitive teammate in the same team, while at least Leclerc and Russell faced Lewis as a teammate.
Every time Alonso performs badly, always his age or retirement questions are asked more and more, but those questioners forgot his 2023-24 performances.
I think questions should be asked of the Aston Martin Aero Department team for lackluster car performance from the last 18 months. This year it will be make or break for Aston to prove that they can improve through in-season development rather than going backwards and looking clueless about what to do with the car. Now wind tunnel, correlation, and simulator excuses will not count as legit reasons for not performing because they have all the tools available now. So currently I am more worried about their car performance rather than drivers. Even Max complained and was frustrated a lot about the car's performance in the last year's second half, but the difference is Red Bull is at least at worst contending for top 5 positions, while Aston is fighting for getting in Q1.
I am eagerly waiting for the 2025 season's 1st major car upgrade, which may come at the Imola GP, so let's see what happens next. Please don't mention that we have to fully focus on 2026. Even in 2026, if you can get a good car from race 1, you still have to improve till the last race of the season.
