Aston Martin is skipping aerodynamic upgrades for the Miami F1 GP

While the pit lane filled with new wings and reworked pontoons Friday morning in Miami, the garage Aston Martin remained more restrained. Against all expectations, the team led by Mike Krack chose not to introduce any aerodynamic updates in Florida, contrasting sharply with the development frenzy of the rest of the field. A risky choice given the largely disappointing results recorded in the first three rounds of the season.

The start of the AMR26 campaign was indeed plagued by severe vibrations. These vibrations, beyond the obvious discomfort for the pilots, caused critical reliability issues with the battery. While short-term countermeasures helped limit the damage in Japan, finally offering... Fernando Alonso The possibility of reaching the finish in 18th place with one lap to secure the first ranking of the year, the numbers don't add up.

In an attempt to eradicate the problem, Honda took matters into its own hands. The Japanese engine manufacturer retained a car Following the Suzuka race, the team undertook a battery of in-depth tests in Sakura. As a result, they introduced hardware changes to the power unit for the Florida event.

“This weekend, we are focused on reducing vibrations,” entrusts Lance stroll , F1. I don't expect a revolution overnight, but we know what we need to work on.

Encouraging engine improvements?

Within the Anglo-Japanese camp, however, they remain discreet about the exact nature of these changes. And for good reason: at this stage of the season, only reliability-related interventions can be approved by the FIA, as pure performance development is strictly regulated. “Honda has worked very hard and we have some improvements specifically regarding vibrations,” Fernando Alonso reassured the F1 microphone. We should be in a better position.

Honda is also waiting for the FIA ​​to clarify the quota of developments allowed per engine manufacturer, while a crucial vote is to decide whether or not to remove the cap on cumulative improvements this season.

At the Miami Grand Prix, Aston Martin will almost certainly have to settle for damage control with a car virtually identical to the one from Suzuka. A risky gamble at a time when the development process is accelerating.

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