Aston Martin is evaluating the possibility of making significant performance gains, aiming to outpace Red Bull by up to two seconds per lap.
Performance director Tom McCullough acknowledges the team’s substantial progress over the winter, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff suggesting a two-second improvement.
This enhancement allowed Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso to compete closely with Red Bull early in the season, securing several podium finishes. However, McCullough concedes that replicating such a leap before the 2024 season opener in Bahrain is unlikely.
Despite finishing seventh in the previous year’s championship, Aston Martin narrowed the gap to the front-runners by the end of the season. McCullough clarifies that the apparent magnitude of the jump was influenced by the team’s weaker performance in the preceding season.
He emphasizes that the observed improvement wasn’t as substantial when considering the entire 2022 season. Stable regulations contribute to convergence among teams, and while some have shown significant progress, McCullough anticipates a competitive and exciting season in the upcoming year.
Addressing challenges faced in the latter part of the season, McCullough acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in maximizing the use of the Drag Reduction System (DRS). Fernando Alonso, expressing concerns about the car’s straight-line speed, faced difficulties regaining positions after pit stops.
McCullough highlights the importance of refining DRS performance to enhance straight-line speed. He emphasizes the team’s focus on stability and aerodynamics but acknowledges the need to intensify efforts in specific areas to achieve further performance gains.
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