Alonso pauses for Aston Martin's transitional season.

      "We (drivers) come here because it’s compulsory"

      By GMM

      15 March 2025 - 06:42

      Fernando Alonso entertained a group of journalists in Melbourne by declining to disclose what he had discovered while driving his Aston Martin during practice.

      "Nothing. But even if I had learned something, I wouldn’t tell you," he quipped.

      At 43, Alonso was partly joking, yet he made it clear he was also partly serious.

      "We (drivers) come here because it’s compulsory. We just got out of the car, as usual.

      "There will be 24 Fridays like this where you can ask anything, but I just won’t answer."

      Alonso indicated that he would be having "private" discussions about his car's performance with his team.

      "We completed laps, the car is functioning, the engine is operating, the brakes are good, the gearbox shifts up and down, so we’re okay," the two-time world champion smiled once more.

      Aston Martin is preparing for a 'transition' year as Adrian Newey quietly works on an entirely new project for 2026.

      "Honestly, I have no idea where we’ll end up," team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa told DAZN. "There are four very strong teams, just like last year, and then a midfield that is quite balanced.

      "At first glance, I believe the opening races this year will be quite similar to the conclusion of last year, as Fernando mentioned."

      De la Rosa confirmed that Newey is "dedicated to the 2026 project with the new regulations and the Honda engine, but he’s also assisting us in developing tools like the new wind tunnel, which will also be utilized for the 2025 car."

      Meanwhile, Alonso supported his protégé Gabriel Bortoleto after Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko labeled the Brazilian rookie as a "B-grade" driver.

      "I think Helmut was trying to defend his drivers, but facts hold more weight than his statements," he said.

      "Look at last year’s Formula 2 season - Bortoleto and (Isack) Hadjar finished first and second. They are both exceptionally talented and have now made the jump to Formula 1."