Fernando Alonso expresses optimism as he begins his second year with Aston Martin, praising the AMR24’s advancements over the previous model.
Fernando Alonso is delighted to have kicked off his 2024 season, his second with Aston Martin F1, and shares an initial positive review of his time in the AMR24. The experience is already significantly better than with the AMR23, with which he secured podium finishes.
“It’s always incredible to be in these cars and to test the vehicle for the next 11 months for the first time. It’s very intense because everything is condensed into a day and a half, and we’re trying to figure out where we stand in the hierarchy, but it’s fun,” Alonso stated.
“Yes, the car is a step forward, it provides a better feel and more performance. We’re pleased with the data and the feedback, but everyone has made a step forward. The ideas are the same across the board, so it’s going to be tight.”
Asked before this afternoon, as he wraps up Aston Martin’s testing, he outlined the program he hopes for.
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“I want to run lots of tests because I’m behind schedule due to the red flag yesterday. I want to make setup changes, see how the car operates. The rest is well known, we know the track, the tires are the same as in 2023, so we can save a bit of time there.”
“No Crystal Ball”
When asked about who the favorite is this season, Alonso doesn’t harbor any illusions against Max Verstappen: “I don’t have a crystal ball to know what the others are doing. I think Max is the reigning world champion and that Red Bull dominates the sport. The concept they’ve introduced this year is also a surprise.”
“For now, we just have to observe them and see how they perform. I think 19 drivers in the paddock now think they won’t win the championship. That happens 99% of the time in a career. It’s a brutal sport.”
He doubts his chances of winning this year: “I think it’s hard to say today if we have a car capable of winning a race. Seeing Max and the Red Bull car this year, I’d say there’s even less chance for everyone to win a race this year. But that’s how it is.”
Alonso: No Illusions About Verstappen’s Grip on F1. Alonso: No Illusions About Verstappen’s Grip on F1
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