Fernando Alonso expects a significant upgrade will see Aston Martin “crush” Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The two-time world champion had his worst result of the season so far in Barcelona as a mistake in qualifying left him ninth on the grid before settling for seventh in the race.
More notable, however, was the much-improved pace of Mercedes, who claimed a double podium finish.
“They are fast, they are a concern for us and have been all year long. They also have very consistent drivers as well,” Alonso told Sky Sports post-race.
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“Ferrari has a very fast car, but they seem to score only with one car or have more trouble in the race – but Mercedes is always there, so they are a very tough competitor.”
However, at what is now a home race of sorts for Aston Martin under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, Alonso expects his team to respond.
“I think that we will see a completely different picture and, hopefully, we will fight with the Red Bulls soon,” he said.
“In Canada, we will bring more new parts, in Silverstone too… It will depend on who brings the biggest improvements.
“I think it’s a race and in Canada, we crush them.”
That sentiment was shared by Aston Martin boss Mike Krack, who admitted it was up to the team to keep up the pace in the development war that is now underway.
“He is right to ask us and push us for that,” he said. “There will be something coming in Canada. It will be a step.”