Alonso Sees Aston Martin Breakthrough in Hungary Qualifying

Fernando Alonso achieved a significant breakthrough for Aston Martin in Hungary, qualifying for the first time this season after debuting a virtually new car. While Alonso will start 16th, 2.8 seconds off pole position, the team demonstrated a notable pace improvement, gaining approximately two seconds in relative terms compared to previous performances.

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I feel relieved a little bit, feeling that the team understood the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction.

Alonso, who is nearing his 45th birthday, conveyed a sense of relief, stating, "I feel relieved a little bit, feeling that the team understood the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction." He acknowledged past disappointments with upgrades but expressed renewed optimism within the factory and for himself.

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We brought a few updates to this car early in the season, and it didn't work much. And we come from two years of disappointments of upgrades. So definitely there is a change in optimism in the factory and I feel optimistic.

The veteran driver is contemplating his future in Formula 1, with a decision looming this summer. He believes that technical partner Adrian Newey's expertise will eventually lead the team to success, but he is uncertain if that success will arrive soon enough for his continued participation. "No one should doubt Adrian Newey or the potential we have in Silverstone. It is a matter of time before we have the best chassis and it is a matter of time before Honda have the best engine in F1. It is a question of when," Alonso commented.

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No one should doubt Adrian Newey or the potential we have in Silverstone. It is a matter of time before we have the best chassis and it is a matter of time before Honda have the best engine in F1. It is a question of when.

Drivers faced challenging conditions on a track surface that was breaking up, particularly in the final corners. Lando Norris secured pole position, while Max Verstappen was involved in an incident. George Russell also encountered issues with a water leak on his final run, forcing him to stop his car to avoid engine damage. Antonelli noted that while they made a good step in Q3 and the car felt more alive, yellow flags hampered his potential for pole position.

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I think we were just slightly out of the window with tyres, then in Q3 we did a good step and the car just felt finally a bit more alive. For sure it was a shame with the yellow flags, but it happens. P3 was on the table today but still not good enough for pole.