Stroll and Alonso Differ on AMR25 Upgrade at Canadian GP

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, held on June 8 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, marked the debut of several technical upgrades for the Aston Martin AMR25. However, the race weekend highlighted stark differences between the team’s drivers. Fernando Alonso posted the fifth-fastest time in Free Practice 2 (FP2), earning applause from his mechanics, while Lance Stroll crashed at Turn 7, severely damaging the front left of his car and retiring from the session.

Aston Martin has struggled to maintain competitiveness in the 2025 season, with Alonso consistently outperforming Stroll in the drivers’ standings. Stroll frequently fails to progress beyond Q1 and often finishes near the back of the grid, whereas Alonso maximizes the AMR25’s potential.

Alonso welcomed the AMR25 upgrades, stating that the car felt more competitive and inspired confidence on the track. “The car gives me a good feeling, especially in high-speed corners,” he said, noting improvements over the previous season’s AMR24. In contrast, Stroll was pessimistic, describing the car as “still feeling slow” and seeing no significant progress. “I don’t feel a big change. My performance on track shows that,” he remarked.

This discrepancy is not new. During initial AMR25 simulator testing, Alonso reported satisfaction, while Stroll found the car ill-suited to his driving style. Stroll’s FP2 crash in Canada, which forced him to retire from the session, further underscored his adaptation struggles.

The differing opinions reflect internal challenges for Aston Martin in optimizing the AMR25 for both drivers. Alonso’s experience allows him to adapt his driving style, but Stroll’s struggles could hinder the team’s points haul in the constructors’ championship. As of June 2025, Aston Martin ranks fifth in the standings, trailing Red Bull and McLaren significantly.

Posts on X reveal divided fan sentiments. Some praise Alonso for extracting the car’s potential, while others question Stroll’s consistency. F1 analysts suggest that Aston Martin must tailor the car’s development to accommodate both drivers to compete with top teams.

The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix on June 22-24, 2025, will be a critical test for Aston Martin. Circuit de Catalunya’s mix of high- and low-speed corners will evaluate the AMR25’s upgrades. Stroll must find his rhythm, while Alonso is expected to maintain his competitive edge. Intense competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull adds pressure to resolve internal disparities.

Posts on X indicate optimism among Aston Martin fans regarding Alonso’s progress, but concerns persist about Stroll’s performance. Analysts recommend that the team prioritize adjusting the car’s setup for Stroll without compromising Alonso’s strengths. With a long season ahead, Aston Martin has opportunities to improve their standing if they can align their drivers’ perspectives.

For comprehensive coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix and exclusive Formula 1 analysis, visit SPORTRIK. Stay informed on Aston Martin’s journey in the 2025 season.