Palmer: Alonso is forced to play the role of test driver.

      Former Formula 1 driver and expert for the official website Jolyon Palmer considers Aston Martin's failure this season to be one of the most serious disappointments in Formula 1 history…

      Jolyon Palmer: “In Japan, the Aston Martin cars were very slow. They had to significantly reduce power and make other concessions to finish the race.

      Things are bad. This is one of the most serious failures in Formula 1 history. Aston Martin can only finish a race if they severely limit engine power to achieve any sort of drivability and reliability, but even then they have only managed to finish with one car in three Grands Prix. It’s terrible.

      We’re talking about a 1.7-second deficit from the end of the first part of qualifying. Last year, the entire grid fit within half that time in qualifying. And when they make up those 1.7 seconds, nothing will change significantly – it will only allow Alonso to progress to the second part of qualifying. They need to make up much more, and it’s clear that this will take time.

      For the first time in 25 years, Alonso is forced to play the role of a test driver. That’s all the car is capable of. It’s a shame that they are in such a state.”