Aston Martin’s team principal, Mike Krack, has placed high hopes on the team’s brand-new wind tunnel, calling it a potential game-changer in their bid to elevate Fernando Alonso’s chances of capturing his long-coveted third Formula 1 world title. Aston Martin has recently transitioned from using Mercedes’ wind tunnel to their in-house facility, which Krack describes as a massive leap forward.
Speaking enthusiastically, Krack likened the tunnel’s demo run to a “Star Wars” experience, marveling at its precision and technological advancement. “It’s been a huge undertaking,” he stated. “The wind tunnel and simulator felt like being in Star Wars—it’s going to improve our fidelity, the feedback loop, everything the driver experiences.”
Aston Martin has struggled this season, with Alonso amassing only 62 points thus far. Yet, the team is gearing up for a turnaround, hoping the new tools will play a pivotal role in developing a more competitive car by 2025. Alonso, a two-time world champion, has been vocal about Aston Martin’s potential, emphasizing a systematic approach to solving AMR24’s issues.
Alonso, known for his resilience and strategic choices throughout his 20-year career, has raced with the best, from BMW and McLaren to Ferrari and Alpine. He’s faced his share of missed opportunities, narrowly missing a third title multiple times in the early 2010s. Now, the 43-year-old racing veteran is optimistic that Aston Martin’s enhanced resources could finally give him the shot he’s been waiting for. “I don’t regret anything,” Alonso reflected, “but I know that certain decisions can make or break what you achieve in this sport.”
With Aston Martin banking on their cutting-edge wind tunnel, the team and Alonso are more focused than ever on bringing competitive edge back to Warwickshire. The next three races will test Aston Martin’s progress, but their sights are set on the ultimate goal—transforming their potential into podiums and positioning Alonso for a historic title run.