Aston Martin Admits “Expected” Struggles as Cooling Issues Leave Team on Back Row for Austrian GP

Aston Martin endured a difficult and ultimately disappointing qualifying session at the Austrian Grand Prix, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll unable to escape Q1 as the team’s ongoing cooling limitations once again compromised performance.

The AMR24 lacked the pace to challenge its immediate rivals — including Cadillac, who out‑qualified both green cars — and the team ended the session locked onto the final row of the grid.

Alonso secured 21st, ahead of Stroll in 22nd, but both drivers felt the result reflected the team’s current competitive reality rather than any unexpected setback.

Despite the lowly grid position, Alonso struck a measured and constructive tone, emphasising that the team has made progress in understanding and stabilising the car’s behaviour.

“The result is where we expected to be, but I feel we have taken steps forward so far this weekend,” he said. “Since FP1 yesterday, the predictability and consistency across the car has felt better. The team has worked hard to make improvements where we can, and we will continue working in preparation for tomorrow. It will be tough, but I’m happy with the progress we have made.”

Aston Martin has struggled with cooling throughout the weekend — a recurring weakness that has limited performance in hotter conditions. The issue has forced the team to run compromised setups, costing aerodynamic efficiency and overall pace.

Stroll’s session ended prematurely after a lock‑up at Turn 4 forced him to abort his final Q1 lap, leaving him at the bottom of the timesheets. He echoed Alonso’s view that the team is operating within known limitations.

“We probably could have gotten a bit more out of Qualifying today: I lost time on my final lap in Q1 with a lock‑up in Turn 4 and we had to abort the lap,” Stroll explained. “It’s the same car we have been dealing with since the start of the season, so we know where we stand. But we are all pushing as a team for improvements and that’s what everybody is focused on right now. We will see what we can do tomorrow.”

Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack offered a candid assessment of the team’s situation, acknowledging that the AMR24 is currently unable to compete with its midfield rivals but stressing the importance of operational execution and continued learning.

“Today’s Qualifying result reflects our competitive position,” Krack said. “However, we still try to maximise our package and the drivers delivered as usual. The race will be challenging but we remain focused to extract what we can from the car, continue learning, and be strong operationally.”