Alonso Laughs Off Qatar GP Spin, Blames 'Spirit Inside the Car'

Fernando Alonso, known for his dramatic flair, found humor in his unexpected 360-degree spin during Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix. The two-time world champion dismissed over-driving, instead playfully attributing the incident to a "spirit inside the car" and 'paranormal' disconnections, highlighting the AMR25's unpredictable nature.

Why it matters:

• Alonso's spin, while costing him positions, didn't derail his points finish, which was crucial for Aston Martin's Constructors' Championship battle.
• The 'paranormal' disconnections Alonso refers to underscore the challenges Aston Martin faces with a highly sensitive car, which, despite its quirks, delivered valuable points.
• This incident adds to the lore of Alonso's career, showcasing his ability to find humor and maintain composure under pressure, even when his car seems to have a mind of its own.

The Details:

• Alonso, running comfortably in the top six after starting eighth, experienced his AMR25 snap at Turn 10, resulting in a full 360-degree spin.
• He recovered swiftly, losing only two positions, and eventually finished seventh, securing six valuable points for Aston Martin.
• Car Sensitivity: Alonso revealed that the car's unpredictable behavior wasn't new, citing similar sudden losses of front grip during practice sessions, which he described as if he "had no front wheels."
  • He explained the car is "hypersensitive to the wind, hypersensitive to one or two degrees of temperature," making it perpetually "on a knife edge."
• Luck of the Spin: Alonso acknowledged his fortune, noting that the spin occurred in a section without gravel traps and with minimal traffic behind him, preventing a more severe outcome.

The Big Picture:

• Aston Martin is locked in a tight battle for sixth in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Racing Bulls by 12 points.
• The eight points (two from Saturday, six from Sunday) secured by Alonso in Qatar exceeded the team's expectations and were "crucial" for their championship aspirations.
• This performance provides Aston Martin with "a little bit less pressure and less weight on our shoulders" heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, keeping their hopes alive in a highly competitive midfield.

What's next:

• Aston Martin will need to address the 'paranormal' disconnections and the AMR25's hypersensitivity to optimize its performance while maintaining reliability.
• The team will carry renewed optimism into the Abu Dhabi season finale, aiming to close the 12-point gap to Racing Bulls and secure sixth place in the Constructors' Championship.
• Fans will be watching to see if the "spirit inside the car" makes another appearance, or if Aston Martin can tame its wild tendencies for a strong finish to the season.