P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin followed up its worst performance of the F1 season with its best qualifying result in nearly two years just a week later. What transformed it into an outside pole threat in Hungary?
Aston Martin bounced back strongly from its poor performance at the Belgian Grand Prix with its best qualifying result in almost two years at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll secured the third row on the grid, marking their highest starting positions since the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix. The team was pleasantly surprised by this achievement, especially after finishing 19th and 20th at the previous race in Belgium.
Aston Martin’s renewed success can be attributed to reverting to an older floor design that better suited the demands of the Hungarian circuit, contrasting with the struggles faced at Spa. The team’s decision to mix-and-match parts earlier in the season had created uncertainties, but the return to the Imola floor for the Hungarian event proved effective. The AMR25 cars showed strength throughout the weekend, indicating a positive shift in performance.
The aerodynamic characteristics of the Hungaroring favored Aston Martin, especially compared to the challenges presented by Spa’s layout. The team’s strategic approach to optimizing track conditions during qualifying paid off, bringing them closer to the front of the grid. This resurgence in form highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to different circuit requirements in Formula 1.
