Formula 1

Alonso and Aston Martin kick off F1 season with podium finish

Published

3 weeks ago

05/03/2023

Alonso Aston Martin podium F1 2023 Bahrain

Fernando Alonso has met the high expectations he generated throughout the weekend and began the 2023 Formula 1 season with a podium finish, as an Aston Martin driver. He is understandably thrilled about it.

Alonso expressed his admiration for his team after the race, including his teammate Lance Stroll, whom he praised for his resilience. “Above all, I want to extend my congratulations to my teammate Lance. Despite undergoing surgery just 12 days ago, he’s now fiercely competing against everyone,” remarked the Aston Martin driver.

Continuing his remarks, he expressed, “To secure a podium finish in the very first race of the season is truly remarkable. Aston Martin’s endeavors during the winter to secure the second-best car are nothing short of exceptional.”

At the beginning of the race, Alonso fell behind Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, causing the 41-year-old Spaniard to take a bit longer to regain his position at the front. This resulted in some impressive battles with both Russell and Hamilton, but Alonso fearlessly engaged in on-track duels.

Alonso expressed his preference for starting in front of his rivals, but acknowledged that the thrill of starting behind them added to the excitement of the race. He was hesitant to predict whether Aston Martin would maintain their current level of performance for the remainder of the F1 season.

Although the first lap incident caused concern for Alonso, he was relieved to hear from his race engineer that there was no damage to either car. Alonso praised his team after the race, saying, “I’m so proud of you…this is amazing.” He also commended Stroll, calling him “my hero” and lauded Aston Martin’s improvement over the winter to secure the second-best car on race day.

Alonso acknowledged that starting behind rivals Ferrari and Mercedes was not ideal, but said that passing on track made for a more exciting and adrenaline-fueled race. The improved lap time for Aston Martin over the past year indicates a promising start to the season for the team.

Alonso and Aston Martin kick off F1 season with podium finish Alonso and Aston Martin kick off F1 season with podium finish Alonso and Aston Martin kick off F1 season with podium finish