Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso is experiencing his third spring in the premier class with Aston Martin. The Spaniard was on the podium in six out of eight races, stealing the show from Ferrari and Mercedes. The 41-year-old says he’s never had more confidence in a team than he did in the 2023 season.
Alonso clinched his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, but his return to sister team Alpin in the 2021 and 2022 seasons was not crowned with success. Previously he was on board with Ferrari and McLaren, but even with these racing teams it was not enough for the third title. Red Bull are currently dominating F1 but Alonso believes Aston Martin has a chance to catch up with the top team.
After the Canadian Grand Prix, he spoke to ‘Sky’ about the “most competitive race of the season”. In addition, Aston Martin was able to “keep up with Red Bull’s pace over long distances”. The 32-time race winner and two-time Le Mans winner believes in the Aston Martin project and wants to continue to do his best.
“I can’t remember a phase in my career where I had so much confidence in a team and a project,” said the Spaniard. It’s anyone’s guess how long Alonso will be with the team, but Alonso wants to remain part of the team until he has a chance to challenge Red Bull for the title.
“It’s a medium to long-term project and I don’t know if I’ll still be driving after that,” admits the 41-year-old. “But I don’t think I have to stop as long as I’m fast and having fun. At the moment that’s the case.” That is why the Aston Martin driver wants to get the maximum out of the project in the short term and win another race in 2023.
For this, however, the development of the AMR23 must continue and Red Bull may have to stumble in a race. “I think a lot will still happen,” Alonso said combatively. “I still want to win this year and the car is developing in the right direction, so there will definitely be more opportunities.”