Fernando Alonso entertained a crowd of journalists in Melbourne by dodging questions about what he'd gleaned from driving his Aston Martin in practice.
"Nothing. But if had learned anything, I wouldn't tell you," he said with a grin in Melbourne.
The 43-year-old was partly jesting, but he also underscored his seriousness.
"We (drivers) come here because it's mandatory. We just got out of the car, like always," he said.
"It will be 24 Fridays like this where you can ask whatever you want, I just won't answer at all."
Alonso noted he'd be sharing insights about his car's handling "privately" with his team.
"We did laps, the car is running, the engine is working, the brakes are good, the gearbox shifts up and down, so we're fine," the two-time world champion added with another smile.
Aston Martin is clearly preparing for a 'transition' year while Adrian Newey works behind the scenes on the all-new 2026 project.
"Personally, I have no idea where we'll be," team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa told DAZN. "There are four very strong teams - the same as last year - then a midfield with a lot of equality.
"At first glance, I think the first races this year will be quite similar to the end of last year, as Fernando said."
De la Rosa affirmed that Newey is "focusing on the 2026 project with the new regulations and the Honda engine, but also to help us develop tools like the new wind tunnel, which will also be used to develop the 2025 car".
Meanwhile, Alonso backed his protégé Gabriel Bortoleto after Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko called the Brazilian rookie a "B-grade" driver.
"I think Helmut wanted to defend his drivers, but the facts matter a little more than his words," he said.
"Look at last year's Formula 2 season - Bortoleto and (Isack) Hadjar finished first and second. They are both incredibly talented and have now made the leap to Formula 1."
