In a thrilling qualifying session at the Imola Grand Prix on May 17, 2025, Fernando Alonso delivered a stellar performance, securing a fifth-place starting position for Aston Martin. The result, which Alonso described as “better than expected,” sparked a wave of optimism within the team, marking their strongest qualifying performance of the season. Posts found on X echoed the sentiment, with fans and analysts alike praising the team’s progress and Alonso’s enduring skill behind the wheel.
Alonso’s achievement was particularly significant given the introduction of a new upgrade package for the Aston Martin car at Imola. The Spaniard expressed pride in the team’s efforts, noting that the new parts performed exceptionally well. His comments to the media highlighted a sense of surprise and satisfaction, as both Aston Martin cars advanced to Q3, with teammate Lance Stroll securing eighth place. This double Q3 appearance underscored the effectiveness of the upgrades and the team’s strategic approach to the weekend.
Team principal Andy Cowell credited the upgrades for delivering immediate results, emphasizing the hard work of the engineering team in optimizing the car’s performance. The upgrades, combined with a bold tire strategy, allowed Alonso to extract maximum pace during qualifying, positioning him just behind the leading teams. Posts on X from sources like PitDebrief and AMFormula1News captured Alonso’s post-qualifying remarks, where he described the car as feeling competitive and expressed cautious optimism for the race.
The Imola circuit, known for its challenging layout and limited overtaking opportunities, makes Alonso’s P5 a valuable asset for Sunday’s race. While the two-time world champion tempered expectations, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining position against faster cars, his performance injected renewed confidence into Aston Martin’s campaign. Spanish outlet AutoBildspain reported Alonso calling the result a “nice surprise,” reflecting the team’s growing momentum.