Fernando Alonso has expressed relief after returning to the points at the Spanish Grand Prix, but he insists that top 10 finishes must become a mandatory target for Aston Martin. Alonso, who finished ninth in front of his home crowd, had previously endured eight consecutive races without scoring any points.

A Much-Needed Breakthrough

Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, had shown promise earlier in the season with sixth and ninth-place finishes in the opening two races. However, Aston Martin had since struggled to maintain consistency, failing to secure a top 10 position until Alonso's performance in Spain.

Championship Standings

Aston Martin currently sits ninth in the championship, tied on points with Sauber and just five points ahead of Alpine. This makes every point crucial as the team aims to climb the standings.

Alonso's Perspective

When asked about finally breaking the points drought, Alonso remarked:

"It's good to free a little bit of pressure on everyone's shoulders in the team and try to get some consistency into Q3. This was the third consecutive race in Q3, and this is the first point. If we build something that keeps us constantly in the top 10 on Saturdays and Sundays, it will definitely help everyone."

Looking Ahead

Alonso emphasized the need for Aston Martin to raise its level, especially with Sauber scoring significant points recently. He stressed that scoring points every weekend, or at least every two weekends, is essential for the team's progress.

Long-Term Vision

Aston Martin's long-term project, spearheaded by team owner Lawrence Stroll, includes significant investments in facilities and personnel. The signing of F1 car design legend Adrian Newey earlier this year is a testament to the team's ambition to become a championship contender by 2026.

Current Campaign Challenges

Despite the high expectations for the future, the current season has been challenging. Alonso's points finish was particularly crucial as Stroll withdrew from the event after qualifying due to unmanageable hand and wrist pain.

Historical Context

Alonso's eight-race points drought marked his worst start to a season since his rookie year with Minardi in 2001 and his 2015 season with McLaren, which was marred by a disastrous start with Honda power.

Conclusion

As Aston Martin continues to build towards its 2026 ambitions, consistent top 10 finishes will be vital. Alonso's recent performance is a step in the right direction, but the team must maintain this momentum to achieve its goals.