F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Qualifying Stage - Image Source: Getty
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has identified Mercedes' wind tunnel as one of the factors holding back Aston Martin's progress. However, the Spaniard doesn't solely blame the competitor's wind tunnel, highlighting Aston's own shortcomings in development at the factory.
Aston Martin, one of the most popular car manufacturers around the globe, is forced to rely on Mercedes' resources in F1 as a customer team. The UK-based squad not only uses the Silver Arrows' engines, but also its wind tunnel. However, as a customer team, its wind tunnel usage time is significantly less, which is a factor hindering the team's progress, feels Alonso.
The 43-year-old shed light on Aston Martin's shortcomings in the 2024 F1 season, where the team finished P5 in the constructors' championship. The Spanish driver couldn't pinpoint a specific problem but identified the wind tunnel disadvantage as one of the many factors plaguing the car's development. Speaking on the Chequered Flag podcast, he said:
