Aston Martin started the 2023 Formula 1 season with the second-fastest car on the grid. Fernando Alonso took full advantage of it, scoring 5 podiums in the first 6 races. However, since Canada, their form has dropped off. Meanwhile, McLaren have been on a charge since Silverstone, and have made massive inroads in the standings. With both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri right up there, they might overtake Aston Martin in the standings.
McLaren’s Resurgence
McLaren scored just 17 points in the first 8 races of the season. Since then, they have scored 145 points in the next 8 races. That’s how massive their turnaround has been. Both of their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have been consistent and on top of their game.
McLaren have also proved that they are a well-oiled unit. They haven’t cracked under the pressure of fighting at the front of Formula 1. They stamped their comeback by scoring a double podium at the Japanese GP. Lando Norris said this result felt more “earned” than their 1-2 at Monza in 2021.
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Aston Martin
Aston Martin will be ruing the performances of Lance Stroll compared to Fernando Alonso. In the first of the Formula 1 season, he underperformed massively with the car he had. This left them hamstrung as other teams, including McLaren, outdeveloped them during the season.
Right now Aston Martin is probably the fifth-fastest car behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Fernando Alonso is still dragging it into the points but Stroll has fallen off. He has qualified 20, 20, and 17 in the last three races.
Race for 4th in the Championship
Ferrari in third are now 64 points clear of Aston Martin and McLaren are 88 points ahead of Alpine in 6th. Given the forms of all the teams, it is unlikely for any other team to join this battle.
There are still 49 points between Aston Martin and McLaren. So why do we think this is a competition with just 6 races to go? Because in the last two races alone, McLaren have taken 53 points out of Aston Martin’s lead.
Also Read: Oscar Piastri gets first Formula 1 podium, McLaren secure 2-3 at Japanese GP
If this trend continues, McLaren may actually start challenging Ferrari and Mercedes before the end of the season.
