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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 18, 2023 Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso after qualifying in third position REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 18, 2023 Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso after qualifying in third position REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Fernando Alonso finds himself in a very privileged, yet peculiar position this year. While the meteoric rise of Aston Martin in 2023 has come as a welcome surprise for many, no one will be happier than 2x champion, Alonso. This is partly because he finally has a car to showcase his unimaginably superior racing talent. But partly also because this is the first legitimate time he has made a career decision that has not blown up in his face. Some would say, it’s time for vindication.
The illustrious career of Fernando Alonso has been dotted with him being the underdog. Always had the talent, but never the acumen or the car. Now, he seems to have both. Yet, by his own admission, he knows he has many detractors. People inside the F1 paddock and people outside will always judge him, and underestimate him and his team.
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Fernando Alonso silences his critics
Alonso can be proud of his Aston Martin team, and he is. Monaco will be the first real opportunity for the AMR23 to show it’s true colors with its cornering capabilities. However, the Spaniard is wary that many people are just waiting for his bubble to burst.
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via Imago
14 Fernando Alonso ESP, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team, F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4, 2023 in Miami, United States of America. Photo by HOCH ZWEI Miami United States of America *** 14 Fernando Alonso ESP, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team , F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4, 2023 in Miami, United States of America Photo by HOCH ZWEI Miami United States of America
Aston Martin’s supremacy in 2023 is surprising. Hence, it can also be short-lived. Alonso doesn’t seem to mind though. When asked about it, he said, “For us it’s just a gift where we are. You know, we didn’t expect to be in this position, so we just race every Sunday calmly without pressure.”
But when quizzed about how people have been underestimating the team and just waiting for their downfall, he retorted, “They did already – they do every weekend,” as quoted by Pitbrief.com. Would he care to elaborate on this fiery statement? “No.” says the 41-year-old.
While Alonso is supremely confident in his team, he knows that expectations will have to be managed.
Alonso paints a realistic 2023 picture
While Aston Martin have been enjoying their day in the sun, Mercedes and Ferrari have been working hard to claw back some performance. Mercedes will be bringing major upgrades to the Monaco GP weekend. However, is Alonso worried by this prospect?
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via Imago
ALONSO Fernando F1 Team Aston Martin FIA F1 Saison 2023 GP Aserbaidschan F1 GP Baku 2023 in Aserbaidschan am 27.04.2023 in Baku *** ALONSO Fernando F1 Team Aston Martin FIA F1 Season 2023 GP Azerbaijan F1 GP Baku 2023 in Azerbaijan on 27 04 2023 in Baku Copyright: xJerryxAndrex
He revealed, “If we can still outscore them [Mercedes] on Sunday, that’s good news. If we can’t, because we cannot follow their progress that they are making, you know, we will prepare for 2024 the best way possible.”
But we are growing as a team, you know, we are in a position that we didn’t expect with a very fast car, and we are trying to make the team strong in you know the other areas that we’re still not maybe at the highest level.”
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Watch This Story: With the Rumored $49 Million Offer, Will Lewis Hamilton Take the Gamble on Ferrari?
Will Aston Martin still be the second fastest team come the Monaco Grand Prix?
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