Aston Martin has now fallen close to the bottom of the Formula 1 hierarchy, according to its own driver, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
The 43-year-old Spaniard, who missed Thursday media sessions in both Mexico and Brazil due to an intestinal infection, had stirred speculation that he or the team actually just wanted him to avoid the media spotlight.
Discussing his recovery, Alonso told reporters on Saturday, "I feel good, I have recovered well and in the last two or three days I have returned to normal."
Less fortunate is his 2024 car, as Aston Martin's latest upgrades have largely been reverted following disappointing results since Austin.
"We've changed things on the car, but there's very little positive, right?" Alonso commented at Interlagos, where he qualified P16 for the sprint and finished even further back.
"We've been eighth or ninth for about eight races and it's not going to change," he continued. "In the next three races we'll be at the back of the grid as well."
When asked about the root cause of Aston Martin's difficulties, Alonso explained, "The more corners there are, the more difficult it is for us. When there's a straight we usually go quite well - it's just a matter of accelerating and keeping the steering wheel straight."
Reflecting on the season, he added, "It's been a difficult time. We've been at the back for eight or nine races now. There have been small miracles like Baku and Singapore, but I think we can now put into perspective how much of a miracle those results were."
Alonso admitted the team's performance has declined steeply, a stark contrast from their podium contention last year. However, the team will have Adrian Newey joining next season, offering hope for improvement.
"Well, from fighting for the podium last year to now being in the last positions," he remarked. "But we have to try to improve. We can't throw in the towel.
"At the same time we have to accept and resign ourselves to it in some way. You can't perform a miracle from one weekend to the next.
"In Mexico we were the ninth or tenth team and five days later we're still that way. So we have to think a little bit more about next year."
