Two Grands Prix, two podium finishes. Fernando Alonso's season could have started worse. For the Spaniard, who in Saudi Arabia picked up a trophy for the 100th time in Formula 1, there is still work to be done. Although his Aston Martin has been exceptionally strong this season, Red Bull is in a league of their own for now.
Aston Martin and Alonso are extremely happy with the steps made over the winter. The next step is a win and - although rival Red Bull was too stromg during the first few weeks - the English team is confident that it will happen, Alonso told The Race.
Need a little help
The Spaniard admits that he and his team are going to need some help: "But it will happen eventually, when they cannot always finish first and second. One day it’ll be a [botched] pitstop, one day it’s a gearbox. Max had yesterday [a failure] – if he’d had it today, he’d have had to retire the car."
According to Alonso, though, it is important that - when the opportunities arise - Aston Martin seize them immediately. During the first two Grands Prix, Red Bull faced technical problems, but they still managed to finish (well ahead of the competition).
In 2022, Red Bull also had problems at the start of the season, but after Melbourne - when Verstappen retired - there were hardly any DNF's. Perez did not make it to the finish line in Canada due to a gearbox problem, but that was it in terms of DNF's due to technical problems.
Alonso always seems to outperform the car in Australia. Now, he has a decent car, he might just be able to get that little extra needed to pull off a magic win. I reckon he will most likely win in Monaco though. He is exceptional around there also.
Yep. He can drive 2 seconds a lap slower around Monaco than the front runners and still not get overtaken by Hamilton! ?
Opportunity is ready for those who is well prepared.
IF, both red bull DNF, in Alonso mind will be like
Look If you had One shot Or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
In one moment Would you capture it
Or just let it slip?
Well, Albon, Yuki, Piastri, DeVries etc... all also believes that they will win a race eventually too.
After all, Gasly and Ocon managed to win races unexpectedly when strange circumstances happen on track to front runners.
Only if Max is DNF and Checo does something stupid, then yes Alonso, a win is possible.
Alonso will win in Monaco given he puts his car on pole in qualifying. No Redbull DNF's needed since overtaking is impossible.
My thoughts exactly! It’s been my happy racing season fantasy.
I won’t be disappointed if he doesn’t, but if Alonso wins Monaco, well, the rest of the races and championship could suck and I’d still be a very happy man about the 2023 season.
I would probably take 2 RedBull DNF's or grid penalties on a track that's hard to overtake, but since they clearly suffer from some reliability issues, the chance although slim, is there
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