Led by double world champion Fernando Alonso, the Silverstone team is currently second in the Constructors’ Championship behind Red Bull after the first five rounds of the season.
But while the Milton Keynes team has stood out so far mainly due to its powerful DRS and aerodynamic efficiency, GPS data shows that the Aston Martin has impressive braking and traction at low speeds. Therefore, he is expected to be in contention for the win this weekend.
PLUS: Factors for and against Red Bull’s upset at the Monaco F1 GP
The team will debut its first development package this weekend, having so far relied on track-specific changes for its basic design.
For Monaco, the AMR23 will have a revised suspension setup and upgrades to the brake hose assembly, while cooling and downforce have been optimized for the tight street circuit.
Aston Martin has submitted changes to the front suspension to the FIA, with part of the upper wishbone modified to improve airflow over the rest of the car.
In the front corner, the front wheel deflector has been slightly modified to better interact with the air coming out of the front fender tip area.
Meanwhile, the rear suspension has been given revised fairings to increase the effectiveness of the respective brake ducts while aiding airflow.
These three modifications were made to improve the overall performance of the AMR23, while the rear wing with a more aggressive configuration was fitted to maximize downforce in Monaco.
Similarly, on the rear corner, the brake hose inlet and outlet ducts have been adapted to the circuit’s increased cooling requirements.
Aston Martin AMR23 technical details
Photo: Autosport
Aston was due to make permanent performance improvements to the Emilia-Romagna GP before it was canceled due to extreme flooding in the region.
Ferrari has now decided to delay the revision to Spain as the track better aligns with the simulations that will help validate the new parts. In contrast, Mercedes has embraced radical changes at Monaco anyway.
But Aston split their versions. Team principal Mike Krack said: “He’s a bit divided.
“Imola’s upgrades, the ones that make sense, we left here in the car.
“There were a few little things we brought to Barcelona because there’s no point in bringing them here.
“It’s a divided approach. We will have some updates here; we will have some updates in barcelona. And then we’ll have some more.”
On his chances of upsetting Red Bull this weekend, Alonso said: “If I tell you I’m not coming here thinking I can win a race, I’ll be lying to you because it’s a one-time opportunity.
“We know that in Monaco, Singapore there are specific racetracks where you have to gain confidence in free training, getting closer and closer to the walls.
“I will be attacking more than any other weekend.”
