The Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying session is throwing the cat amongst the pigeons. The drama is at an all-time high, and this Fernando Alonso storyline is spicing up. Max Verstappen and Red Bull were sure to dominate this weekend. However, nothing is ever set in stone in Formula 1. On his second Q2 lap, Verstappen faced transmission issues approaching the final corner. That meant his qualifying was over even before he could set a competitive lap.
As a consequence, Verstappen will start the race tomorrow from P15. But what has made F1 Twitter-sphere go off the charts is the fact that this Verstappen Quali DNF puts Alonso, 42, in the driver’s seat for snatching his first pole position since the 2012 German Grand Prix.
Verstappen reports an engine issue!
He's stuck in 3rd gear.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) March 18, 2023
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As soon as the Verstappen RBPT engine called it quits, the fans stormed to the social networking site to share their reaction. The theme of the day is Verstappen’s ill luck that has propelled the man of the hour Alonso into the stratosphere.
Fans react as Max Verstappen hands Fernando Alonso the biggest W of his life
Given the sublimity of the Dutch lion behind the RB19, with him on track, there’s only one man getting that pole start tomorrow. But with Verstappen out of the equation, fans are rejoicing in seeing Alonso make a realistic bid for the 23rd pole position of his illustrious career. One fan even commented, “The GOAT is coming.”
Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions to Verstappen’s massive engine failure.
Read More: In Prime, Max Verstappen Placed Higher Than Legendary F1 Champions in a Crazy Stats Rundown
I used to pray for times like this
— 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 (@stanreport) March 18, 2023
— Casual Analyst ⚽️🧐🇾🇪 (@xmdbstr) March 18, 2023
OMGGGG https://t.co/TPVF9iV1oi
— Darren (@DarrenCFC_) March 18, 2023
In all of Verstappen’s misery, the main protagonist was ‘El Plan’. Fernando Alonso finds himself at the cusp of a historic result in Jeddah, and the fans are loving it!
THE GOAT IS COMING pic.twitter.com/pFVfKL0uYu
— Nanopulpo🏎️🇪🇦 (@pulpista) March 18, 2023
NO 33 INCOMING pic.twitter.com/MMQ0ebbDU5
— slip⚒ (@Kelly77722) March 18, 2023
Alonso Pole now?! pic.twitter.com/mql5VH5MFL
— Jesse 🌙 (@2jzJesse) March 18, 2023
— Ultraaaaa (@MattTheUltra) March 18, 2023
That being said, don’t count Verstappen out. He’s shown time and again that he has what it takes to slice through the field. And come Sunday, he will have capable machinery to do so. This fact isn’t lost on the fans either.
So you’re telling me he’ll win from 14th instead of 1st?!?
— James🔰🪐🇶🇦 (@jamesbmufc7) March 18, 2023
Still gonna finish first tomorrow by 20 seconds
— davivster (@DaVivster7) March 18, 2023
Be that as it may, right now, it’s time for Fernando Alonso to get that P1! And the Spaniard has already made his intentions clear.
3️⃣3️⃣⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️ pic.twitter.com/zGFlrDOE7t
— SHZ Cymbalix (@SHZ_Cymbalix) March 18, 2023
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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen: ‘Is my title tarnished? Not at all. I really deserved it’
EL PLAN pic.twitter.com/ykjPn5T4La
— Ben (@BendubzGaming) March 18, 2023
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Can Fernando Alonso grab the podium tomorrow?