Monaco, a circuit where driver skill often mitigates car deficiencies, proved no exception to Aston MartinTeam·Aston Martin's ongoing struggles, as Fernando AlonsoPlayer·Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollPlayer·Lance Stroll qualified 21st and 22nd respectively. The two-time world champion was candid about the team's performance, attributing their difficulties to a persistent lack of pace throughout the weekend.
"Compared to Friday's practice sessions, there isn't much difference – we simply lack speed, that's it," Alonso explained. "It's straightforward. Before arriving in Monaco, we held some hopes, but on the track, it became clear we didn't have enough confidence in the car's performance due to insufficient front-end grip."
This sentiment echoes a season-long narrative for Alonso and Aston MartinTeam·Aston Martin. The Spaniard currently sits P22 in the Drivers' Championship with zero points after five rounds, a reflection of the AMR26's significant challenges. Aston MartinTeam·Aston Martin also occupies the bottom position in the constructors' standings, similarly without points.
Alonso has been vocal about the car's performance and the broader impact of the 2026 regulations, previously describing the current generation of cars as "probably the worst generation of cars I ever drove in Monaco." He has highlighted issues with energy recuperation, which he believes forces drivers to lift through corners, diminishing the challenge of high-speed sections and reducing the influence of driver skill.
Specific technical problems plague the AMR26. Alonso has suggested a "fundamental problem" with the HondaTeam·Honda power unit, estimating a deficit of up to 100 horsepower compared to rivals. The team has also contended with a newly developed gearbox, experiencing "random downshifts" since the Miami Grand PrixCompetition·Miami Grand Prix, a concern Alonso warned could lead to incidents on demanding circuits. Furthermore, the chassis is reportedly "missing a lot of front end," contributing to the lack of confidence in cornering.
Despite these difficulties, Alonso maintains a 5-0 qualifying head-to-head advantage over his teammate Lance StrollPlayer·Lance Stroll, who also found himself at the back of the grid in Monaco. Stroll corroborated Alonso's assessment, noting the difficulty in competing without sufficient engine power and aerodynamic downforce, which renders the car challenging to drive.
Alonso's season has been marked by multiple retirements in Australia, China, Japan, Miami, and Canada, including one due to a seat issue that caused discomfort. Adjustments were made to his seat ahead of the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix. The outlook for significant improvement remains challenging, with Alonso anticipating that substantial upgrades to the aero package and engine power unit are unlikely before the summer break. While contracted with Aston MartinTeam·Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2026 season, Alonso has indicated an openness to exploring other racing disciplines beyond that period.
Lance Stroll (18) leads Fernando Alonso (14) into turn one at the Miami Grand Prix sprint race. Action Plus/IMAGO
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