El Plan was probably always aimed at the future. The unconventional move of Fernando Alonso to the team finishing 7th in the championship from the leaders of midfield did make many heads turn, but only in disappointment. However, the recent masterclass showcased by his new team, Aston Martin, during the Bahrain Pre-Season Testing has shaken the F1 circus. The latest one to acknowledge the threat is the reigning double-world champion, Max Verstappen.
The promised progress of Aston Martin was a key factor in making Alonso leave his ex-team Alpine. However, even the matador himself wouldn’t have thought that the good days will arrive so swiftly for them. But the rivals and onlookers have made a note of the developmental strides. Even someone like Max Verstappen, who along with his team is far ahead in nailing the new regulations, wants to talk to the Spaniard to figure out the real deal.
As quoted by Motorsports Turkey, Verstappen said, “I think Aston Martin produced a really good car last winter. The important thing is that with these new cars, qualifying speed is not that important anymore. If you have a good car for the race, you can overtake.”
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He further added, “I’m very curious about what Aston Martin can do this year. It’s hard to predict exactly where they will be, but when I talk to Fernando and look at his face, he looks pretty optimistic. Of course it’s good to see that. At the end of the day, we want more teams to be closer together.”
While Lewis Hamilton may not have much of a commonality with his nemesis, Verstappen, the two surely echo emotions about the Silverstone-based outfit.
Lewis Hamilton echoes Max Verstappen’s emotion on the looming Aston Martin Threat
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Hamilton, as opposed to the thoughts of his team principal, Toto Wolff, doesn’t want to rank the shiny green team against the rivals but agrees to their massive improvement.
“I’m really happy to see Aston take such a step forward,” said Hamilton. He also stated, “But it looks like they are very strong and may be fighting in the front.We’ll find out in the next day or two. I don’t know if they’re ahead of us or we’re behind them. But I always hoped that more than two or three teams would race ahead. I think we’re finally seeing that, which is a positive thing.”
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Do you think Aston Martin can execute a massive upset and make a jump from last year’s seventh sport to a top contender this year?