Sky Sports F1 analyst and former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle believes Aston Martin's latest upgrade package should be measured against the leading teams rather than its midfield competitors.
Key Highlights
- Martin Brundle says Aston Martin must cut its qualifying deficit to the top four teams by around half.
- The team has introduced an extensive B-spec-style upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
- Brundle stresses the importance of validating the team's wind tunnel, CFD and on-track data correlation.
- Aston Martin sits 10th in the constructors' standings with just one point, ahead of only Cadillac.
Brundle: Aston Martin Must Close the Gap to the Front
The Silverstone-based outfit has rolled out a comprehensive set of updates for the Hungarian Grand Prix, effectively introducing what many consider to be a B-spec version of its car. While the package is one of the most significant developments of the season, Brundle insists its true value lies in proving the team's technical direction.
Speaking during Sky Sports F1's coverage from the Hungaroring, Brundle explained that Aston Martin's immediate priority is ensuring its development tools are producing accurate results. "Aston Martin need that to work so that there is correlation between the wind tunnel, the digital wind tunnel (CFD) and the stopwatch. That has to work," Brundle said.
Focus Is on the Top Teams, Not Cadillac
Although Cadillac's arrival has generated plenty of discussion throughout the Formula 1 paddock, Brundle dismissed suggestions that Aston Martin should be concerned about the new manufacturer.
Instead, he argued that the team's benchmark must remain the sport's frontrunners. "I don't think it's anything to do with Cadillac, if I'm honest," Brundle said. "It's the deficit to the frontrunners - the top four teams. They need to halve that with this upgrade in terms of the percentage they are away from pole."
He added that Aston Martin's state-of-the-art factory, substantial investment, renowned designer Adrian Newey and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso mean expectations should be significantly higher than simply competing at the back of the grid.
Aston Martin Unveils Sweeping B-Spec Upgrade
The FIA's official documentation reveals just how extensive Aston Martin's development package is for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The updated components include the front wing, front wing endplates, nose, front corner, floor body, floor fences, floor edge, diffuser, sidepod inlet, engine cover, cooling louvres, rear suspension, rear corner, rear wing, beam wing and rear wing endplates.
Difficult Season Continues
Despite high expectations entering the campaign, Aston Martin has struggled to deliver consistent results. The scale of the changes underlines the team's determination to establish a stronger technical foundation as it continues development for the remainder of the season.
The team currently occupies 10th place in the Constructors' Championship with just a single point, earned by Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix. Only Cadillac sits below Aston Martin in the standings, making the success of the Hungarian upgrades increasingly important as the team looks to reverse its fortunes.
