Even before we moved into the race day, the buzz around the fixture picked up the hype. A lot of it had to do with Fernando Alonso once again finding the pace to compete at the very top once again. However, the dream to make a comeback on the podium took a big hit courtesy of a first-lap incident. Who was the guilty party, you ask? His own teammate Lance Stroll.
It was not too long ago when Fernando praised Lance for his driving prowess. He went as far as saying that he felt the Canadian was good enough to be a world champion one day. Alonso got a lot of heat from the fans back then for the comment, as some felt his partner’s father’s money who owns the Aston Martin team influenced the statement. It will be interesting to see how amused he must be after they both came together in the very first lap and cost each other grid places.
Fans lash out at Lance Stroll as a hit from behind costs Fernando Alonso dearly
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Both Aston Martin drivers impressed fans during the qualification on Saturday as they punched above their weight, finishing P5 (Alonso) and P8 (Stroll). The pace came as a surprise for many as the team hasn’t shown this kind of performance in the last few years.
However, the expectation of taking a podium finish has taken a huge hit as, at the time of writing this article, Alonso is running in P7 and Stroll in P8 courtesy of the Canadian hitting his senior counterpart from behind.
Have a look at some reactions from Twitter to the incident.
Fire nepo baby Lance Stroll straight into the Sun
— Justin (@Thequarrybends) March 5, 2023
I hate Stroll more than words can say
— C.⚜️ #GlazersOut🔰 (@_CRutd) March 5, 2023
LANCE STROLL IS A DONKEY
— matt 🏴🇻🇦 (@thfcmxtt) March 5, 2023
Arrest Lance 💀
— Joshua33 (@joshua_mv33) March 5, 2023
alonso already strolled
— Tim (@matthardy_28) March 5, 2023
One fan felt given the injury to his wrist, Stroll shouldn’t even be racing.
@bbcf1 given the hit on Alonso from his team mate, should Stroll, given the injuries he has, actually be racing? #BahrainGP
— Robert H (who/what) (@DocEvil666) March 5, 2023
Another fan recalled the friction in the relationship between Alonso’s previous teammate at Alpine, Esteban Ocon, after the incident.
If Alonso didn't like Ocon, he's gonna hate Stroll lol
— rachin (@efcrachinho) March 5, 2023
Stroll already an opp😭😭💔🙆♀️ we get it, your tyma owns the team but just let Alonso win bru
— Just a Scooby Snack🐶 (@MalumeMahlangu) March 5, 2023
Alonso got the first taste of stroll lmfao so close
— Eric (@eRazZor97) March 5, 2023
30 seconds into the season Stroll is crashing into Alonso. Lulululululu queue circus music
— BanKai (@BAN_KAI_virusk0) March 5, 2023
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One fan pointed to the fact that the hunky-dory relationship between Lance and Fernando did not last very long as the action restarted.
Alonso and Stroll's co-operative relationship didn't even survive two corners 😄
This is going to be fun. pic.twitter.com/LFE6BFNspU— martin heavey (@martyheavey) March 5, 2023
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What do you think about the crazy start of the season? Do let us know in the comments.