Fernando Alonso to Start Dutch GP Sprint From Pit Lane After Aston Martin Set-Up Changes

The decision means the two-time world champion will not line up in his original grid slot for the Sprint at Zandvoort, adding another challenge to what has already been a difficult weekend for the Spaniard and the Silverstone-based team.

However, Aston Martin has confirmed that the straight-line mode issue which affected Alonso during Friday’s Sprint Qualifying has been resolved.

Alonso endured a troubled qualifying session on Friday, finishing 22nd and last after struggling with the behaviour of his car. The Spaniard reported vibrations and driveability difficulties, while a problem with the car’s SLM system prevented the rear wing from operating as intended in its lower-drag configuration.

That fault cost Alonso considerable straight-line performance and complicated his energy management over the lap. The issue was a significant factor in his difficult session, although Aston Martin also faced wider challenges with the set-up and driveability of the car.

The team has now worked overnight to address the SLM malfunction and make further set-up changes. Under Formula 1’s parc fermé rules, those alterations require Alonso to start from the pit lane rather than the grid.

While a pit-lane start makes an already difficult Sprint even harder, the changes could provide Aston Martin with a better platform for the rest of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. Alonso and the team will be hoping the revised set-up offers improved confidence, stability and performance around the fast, demanding Zandvoort circuit.

With the SLM issue fixed, Alonso will at least have the opportunity to assess whether Aston Martin has recovered some of the straight-line efficiency it was missing on Friday. The Sprint will also give the team valuable race-running data before attention turns to Grand Prix qualifying later in the weekend.