Despite ‘Dangerous’ Pressures Looming Over Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso Hopes for “Dream” 33rd F1 Win

There’s a storm brewing at Aston Martin after what was a season filled with highs and lows at the same time. The 2023 season witnessed an unexpected resurgence for Aston Martin after a subpar performance in 2022, with Fernando Alonso challenging the mighty Red Bull in the opening part of the season. However, they couldn’t maintain their edge as Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren improved their cars gradually.

Now, as the Silverstone-based team gears up for the 2024 season, there’s an air of anticipation and apprehension surrounding their performance. The spotlight is firmly on Fernando Alonso, whose hopes for a remarkable 33rd F1 win are still burning bright despite acknowledging that having overly high expectations comes with the dangers of things turning out rather disappointing.

Fernando Alonso is wary of the unpredictability of Formula 1 as he hopes for his 33rd win

Alonso, who made the switch from Alpine, looked like he was back at his peak, securing six podiums in the first eight races and accumulating over 200 points individually. The surprising success, however, has brought heightened expectations for the upcoming season. In a recent UNDERCUT interview with his team, the 42-year-old shared insights into the 2023 season.

The Spaniard highlighted the team’s areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency and enhancing top speed. The removal of an overly flexible front wing and complications from reverse-engineering parts posed mid-season setbacks. But Alonso remains resolute in his hope for a competitive season that could bring him his 33rd F1 win.

“I don’t think it’s going to change much because there are too many unknowns every season—anything can happen in Formula One. When we hit the track in winter testing or race one next year, I think we will see how things are and be very open with whatever targets we set for the championship. We will hopefully be competitive again, fighting for regular points and podiums, hopefully, for our first win—that would be the dream. But we cannot underestimate the challenge.” Alonso expressed.

The veteran driver acknowledges the dangers of setting unrealistically high expectations. “We exceeded expectations this year because expectations were low. That’s why this season feels amazing. If we set expectations too high—unrealistically high—there’s a danger of the opposite happening,“ Alonso cautioned”

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As Aston Martin prepares for the next season, the spotlight is on Fernando Alonso’s dream of securing his 33rd F1 win. Despite the looming pressures, the veteran driver exudes confidence, not only in his abilities but also in the team’s capacity to overcome challenges. But has it ever crossed your mind when might Alonso retire?

Alonso sheds light on when he might retire from F1 for good

At 42, Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid, yet he asserts his determination to stay in the game indefinitely. I guess the only question that matters is—what would prompt the two-time world champion to exit the high-speed world of Formula 1?

In a candid interview with The Athletic, Alonso sheds light on his mindset, stating, “If I feel slow one day, I think it will be noticeable, and I will be not happy with my performance, and I will be the first one to raise my hand and say, ‘OK, this is time.’“

Team principal Mike Krack echoes the sentiment, acknowledging the significance of retaining Fernando Alonso. “If we maintain the dynamics and the collaboration that we have now, we can go on forever,” Krack affirms. The mutual interest in extending the partnership beyond Alonso’s current contract until the end of the 2024 season emphasizes the driver’s integral role in Aston Martin’s future endeavors.

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Do you think Aston Martin will start the 2024 season similar to 2023, coming out with all guns blazing? Will Alonso finally get that elusive F1 win he has been chasing since Barcelona 2013? Share your insights in the comments below.