F1 champion predicts ‘PAINFUL’ future for struggling team

A former Formula 1 world champion has admitted his current team may be set to endure a 'painful' few weeks.

His comments come in the wake of last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen made it three wins in a row at the iconic track.

F1 HEADLINES: Horner SLAMS Mercedes over Verstappen talk as Red Bull eye NEW Mexican driver

READ MORE: Newey saga pivots with MAJOR Ferrari ‘loss’

Despite being overtaken by George Russell before the first corner, the Dutchman made a quick recovery, moving past the Brit on Lap Three to take P1.

From there, the 26-year-old cruised to victory ahead of Lando Norris and Russell's Mercedes team-mate, Lewis Hamilton.

It was to be a disappointing day for the squabbling Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who finished P5 and P6 respectively, whilst Aston Martin failed to register any points in what was a frustrating race for the British outfit.

Lance Stroll finished P14, two places worse off than Fernando Alonso - the last Spaniard to win in Barcelona - as their recent struggles continued.

READ MORE: Hamilton F1 incident 'waiting to happen' admits Wolff

More 'tough times' ahead

This year, the team had hoped to build on a positive first campaign in F1 in which they secured a top-five result in the constructors' standings, however their form in 2024 suggests they will be unlikely to improve on that position this time around.

Ex-champion Alonso - widely regarded as one of the best racers on the grid - has managed to collect points in just one of his last four races, and delivered a bleak verdict when asked if he expects Aston Martin's fortunes to change at the next couple of races at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone.

READ MORE: Norris reveals how McLaren FIRE affected Spanish GP weekend

"I think as I said many times we have some things in the pipeline that should put us back in the right direction,” said the 42-year-old.

“It’s going to be painful in Austria, in Silverstone, we have to keep scoring points if it’s eighth, eighth, if it’s seventh, ninth, whatever.

“We cannot give up and stay positive in these tough times” he added when speaking to the media in Spain.

READ MORE: FIA deliver penalty verdict on Hamilton collision

Related

Ted's Notebook

Ted's Notebook: When will the hit Sky F1 show be on next?

• October 26, 2024 15:58

GPFans Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: Red Bull star reveals pushback over GROUNDBREAKING F1 championship plans

• October 25, 2024 12:57