Aston Martin Plans To Upgrade 2/3rds Of The AMR23 Throughout 2023 F1 Season
If reports are to be believed, Aston Martin is going to be upgrading up to two-thirds of their AMR23 throughout the 2023 F1 season.
Aston Martin has taken the F1 world by storm this season, with their impressive pre-season form translating into a strong start to their 2023 campaign. Their surprising success continued in the first race of the year, with Fernando Alonso grabbing only the team's second podium finish in F1 history. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll put on an impressive performance to finish in sixth place, just 12 days after undergoing keyhole surgery for a wrist injury.
Aston Martin has emerged as the second fastest team on the grid after Red Bull, and Fernando Alonso faced no trouble in overtaking both the Mercedes and the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz en route to his 99th podium in F1. The team's clean slate during the winter break has proved beneficial, with team principal Mike Krack acknowledging that they were able to build on a solid foundation, unlike their rivals.
Krack said:
"We are starting with a good foundation. This is particularly important under the rules for the budget cap. If you have to sort out problems first, it hits you hard," he said, potentially hinting at Mercedes' issues.
Aston Martin's progress has been impressive, with Auto Motor und Sport reporting that they are planning to make improvements to two-thirds of the AMR23 over the course of this season, rather than resting on their laurels with a strong car at present.
Fernando Alonso, who has been impressed with the team's philosophy and progress, said:
"The important point is the new Aston Martin is a new car, a new project – this is just the beginning. This is just a starting point, not the finished car."
He continued:
"For us, there is much more to learn from the car and more to come on our side. I’ve got full trust in our team, they know what to do, so hopefully we can improve."
With Ferrari and Mercedes already struggling this season, right now the British team has no reason not to look for P2 in the Constructors Championship this year. Especially as they have plenty of development opportunities this year thanks to their Constructor standing last year, ending in 7th place behind Alfa Romeo.