‘Optimistic’ Alonso believes McLaren still out of reach

Despite splitting the McLarens, Fernando Alonso does not believe a rejuvenated Aston Martin can challenge the championship leaders for pole or victory at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Alonso and Aston Martin were the surprise packets of the first day of Formula 1 action since the summer break with the 44-year-old being in the top four in both sessions.

FP2 was particularly impressive as Alonso wedged himself between Friday’s fastest Lando Norris and championship leader Oscar Piastri.

With the #14 just 0.087s off Norris and Lance Stroll also getting up to third in FP1, many are wondering what Aston Martin can achieve come the Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

Whilst the smile has returned to Alonso’s face, he still believes McLaren will be a bridge too far.

But he hopes being the best of the rest and a potential return to silverware is certainly possible.

“No, not really. I do not think it is within our reach to fight with the McLarens,” the two-time world champion said.

“Maybe some of the other top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. They are not far away so we will try to be in the mix.”

The most pleasing thing for Alonso is how Friday’s results prove Aston Martin, with Adrian Newey on board, is heading in the right direction.

So far, 2025 has been Alonso’s worst year since joining the team amid a wave of joyful podiums in 2023.

However, Hungary was a turning point with Alonso fifth and Stroll seventh and the practice pace proves that it was no flash in the pan.

“I am a little more optimistic than on other Fridays,” Alonso said.

“Hungary was strong for us, and now we go to the following race in Zandvoort, and still showing some good pace in free practice.

“But it is only free practice. It is nice to see the fast times, but we will have to see what we can do tomorrow.”

Whilst many are now wondering what the green cars can do for the remainder of the weekend, Alonso is also excited about what this means for 2026, given Newey is hard at work designing the team’s weapon for the technical regulations reset.

“This year we are unfortunately not fighting on big things so the main focus is understanding what we are doing at the factory and translating those learnings onto the track,” Alonso explained.

“It seems that in the last few months that everything we are bringing to the track is working as suspected.

“This brings huge confidence into what we will do in the next winter.”

2025 Dutch Grand Prix schedule (AEST)

FP1: 1 L. Norris 1:10.278 2 O. Piastri +0.292 3 L. Stroll +0.501

FP2: 1 L. Norris 1:09.890 2 F. Alonso +0.087 3 O. Piastri +0.089

Saturday, August 30

Practice 3 – 19.30-20.30

Qualifying – 23.00-0.00

Sunday, August 31

Grand Prix – 23.00

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here.