General
Alonso hopes battle with Red Bull: 'Don't know if we can keep up with them'
- GPblog.com
Three out of four Grands Prix, Fernando Alonso was on the podium. In Miami, the two-time world champion is obviously hoping for another place among the first three. The Aston Martin driver looks relaxed ahead and thinks the warm temperatures could play into his racing stable's hands.
At 41 years old and with 101 podiums scored in Formula 1, Alonso is an experienced professional. There is therefore no pressure on him. He is especially happy that his new employer has its act together very well in 2023. "We didn't expect where we are now. We drive without pressure. I don't know if we can keep up with the big boys [Red Bull], but we are growing as a team," he was quoted by Spanish F1 journalist Albert Fabrega.
In the United States this weekend, racing will resume under the usual format. So that means three free practice sessions for drivers and teams to prepare for qualifying and the race. With the high asphalt temperature, it will be important to find the right set-up, as tyre management will play a big role. "The heat could work out well for us, but we will see on Sunday," he said.
Adjustments to DRS
Like in Azerbaijan, there are two DRS zones shorter in Miami than last year. How much impact that will have on tracking and the number of overtakes, Alonso is not so sure: "That is difficult to predict." At least for Aston Martin, it is to be hoped that problems with the DRS will now stay out. In Azerbaijan, the rear wing sometimes refused to flip open at the start of the weekend.