Alonso names key factor that will unlock more performance for Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso believes that Aston Martin will have a better reference during next year, after a strong 2023 season with the AMR23.

The team managed to finish on the podium eight times throughout the year, while also challenging for a win at the Monaco Grand Prix with Alonso.

Their impressive start came after they struggled when the ground-effect cars were reintroduced in 2022, prompting a concept change between the AMR22 and AMR23.

This affected their base car setup for this year, as they often had to work from "zero" on race weekends according to Alonso.

Speaking about how he expects the team to unlock more performance next year, Alonso said: "Everything will just be easier. We can focus more on performance and preparation for the first couple of races right from day one.

"We also have a very strong baseline to work with from 2023. When we arrive at a race, the work we do will be an optimisation of what we did this year.

"The 2022 car was perhaps not good enough as a reference for us this year, and on many weekends, we were starting from zero. 2024, it should be easier in terms of preparation, and we can focus more on detail."

Alonso also expects his second year with Aston Martin will be easier, as he's already familiarised himself with the team environment.

"This being my second year with the team will help. I don't need to do many of the things I had to do at the start of this year," said Alonso.

"I don't need to put names to all the faces; I don't need to do seat fittings, learn the terminology and do all of the other accommodations that have to happen when you're a new driver in a team."