Fernando Alonso has revealed he was unaware of Aston Martin's plan to allocate its newly-upgraded car to teammate Lance Stroll for Imola practice, learning of the decision through media reports.
Despite Adrian Newey's technical team focusing primarily on the 2026 car, a small aerodynamics group has developed a new floor and upper bodywork for Aston Martin's uncompetitive 2025 machine at Imola.
"I read this morning in the media that Lance (Stroll) will drive it," Alonso, yet to score a point this season, told Spanish journalists.
"I'll meet with the team and find out more," he added.
It's not uncommon for upgrades to be initially limited to one car, as seen recently at Red Bull, though their Imola developments are available for "both cars," according to advisor Dr Helmut Marko.
At Aston Martin, only one upgraded car is prepared, designated for team owner Lawrence Stroll's son. "At least that's what the press says," Alonso remarked wryly.
The Silverstone-based outfit is expected to compare data from Stroll's upgraded car and Alonso's current specification on Friday before deciding next steps.
"I don't think there's any pressure to thoroughly analyse the new package," Alonso said, "because it doesn't necessarily have to deliver results no matter what. We don't have to integrate them into the car no matter what.
"We're very relaxed about it and will dedicate the necessary time to it before presenting it in the race and making sure 100 percent that it's a faster car than the current one."
The Spaniard further tempered expectations, adding: "Every time an improvement is made to the car, the team is optimistic, but we've already learned from the last two years that perhaps the developments don't deliver exactly what was expected."
