Fernando Alonso once again showcased his class at a wet Zandvoort. Starting from 18th on the grid, the veteran Spaniard finished ninth, securing two valuable points for Aston Martin — the team's best result of the season.
Strategy was key in a chaotic Dutch Grand Prix, marked by rain and multiple virtual safety car periods. While many teams opted for two or three pit stops, Aston Martin took a bold gamble, switching Alonso to a one-stop strategy. A decision that immediately paid off and earned praise from the driver.
"That was not the plan," said Alonso. "I think the plan was two stops and to go more conventional. But we need to sometimes deviate from the normal things, as when we are in traffic, we cannot use our potential. We were faster in the corners, but slower on the straights."
The moment Alonso found clean track was the turning point. He capitalized immediately, charging through the field to secure points. "As soon as we had free track in front of us, we tried to use it. Even if it's not the optimal performance and the optimal strategy, it's what we did today," he added.
This result was redemption after Alonso's only previous points finish came in the controversial Monaco GP, where many rivals were penalized. "I think it was well-deserved," he insisted. "In Monaco we scored one point with nine DNFs, today two points. It feels better."
This season has been tough for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin, struggling in the midfield. Honda's engine upgrade brought this weekend was also criticized as insufficient by Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll. However, this Zandvoort result offers a glimmer of hope.
Alonso remains cautious about next week's Monza, a circuit dominated by long straights. "I don't expect to be competitive in Monza, but maybe at other circuits we have another chance to be in the points," he concluded. Consistent strategy and quick adaptation will be key for Aston Martin to fight for points more regularly.
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