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Relive how Aston Martin began the season spectacularly earlier than barely tailing off because the 2023 Components One season progressed
Relive how Aston Martin began the season spectacularly earlier than barely tailing off because the 2023 Components One season progressed
Fernando Alonso says he doesn’t anticipate his efficiency to drop off any time quickly after finishing his “best season” in Components 1 on the age of 42.
In his first season with Aston Martin after becoming a member of from Alpine, Alonso completed fourth within the drivers’ standings to assert his highest end since 2013.
Aston Martin bought off to an electrical begin with podium finishes in six out of the primary 10 races, unexpectedly competing with Ferrari and Mercedes, in addition to being Crimson Bull’s closest rivals within the early phases of the season.
Whereas his contract with the group at present solely has one season to run, Alonso seems assured of continuous for a number of years but.
“I’ve said many times, even before 2018, the day I stop racing is not because I feel not motivated for driving or I feel slow,” the two-time world champion mentioned on the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Trip on board with Fernando Alonso as he takes on Sergio Perez in an epic battle to seal a podium place in Brazil
“If I feel slow one day, I think it will be noticeable and I will not be happy with my performance and I will be the first to raise my hand and say it’s time.
“However I do not assume that point will arrive truthfully by way of feeling gradual, I’ve excessive self-confidence in my efficiency.”
While falling short of an elusive 33rd career race win, Alonso clinched all eight of Aston Martin’s podium finishes, including second-place finishes in Monaco, Canada and the Netherlands.
“I am pleased with the non-public efficiency, I believe along with 2012, it is the most effective season for me,” Alonso mentioned.
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Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz sits down with Fernando Alonso to reflect on his career, 20 years on from his first win in Hungary
“Personally, I fee the most effective season in my driving. I used to be pleased with every part, I used to be motivated, I used to be match, I used to be performing as you mentioned in tough situations typically, Bahrain, Monaco, Canada, Monza and Brazil will probably be my high 4/5 of the yr.
“I put Monza on purpose because it was a ninth place, it was not a podium, it was nothing that people will remember. But probably we had the slowest car in Monza or the second slowest and to be in the points it was one of those weekends everything was very good.”
‘Demanding schedule’ may cease Alonso driving
Cancelled races this yr in China and Italy noticed F1’s file 24-race schedule decreased to 22, however with a full season set for 2024, Alonso feels the game’s calendar is the one factor that might put on him down.
“But it could be with the calendar and the demanding schedule and things like this one day, I will feel it this time because you know there are other things in life,” Alonso mentioned.
“It’s been a very demanding season only with 22 races, with two cancellations. Next year with 24, the proper calendar, we will have to see how it feels. Even Las Vegas, I saw today it’s a triple header, I don’t know why, I thought Vegas was alone next year and then Qatar and Abu Dhabi together.
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Fernando Alonso just pips Sergio Perez to a podium spot after an epic battle in the final stages of the race
“I simply came upon now, like 10 minutes in the past, that it was three races collectively, these sorts of issues will drain my battery, not my driving.”
While Aston Martin surpassed expectations at the start, they struggled in the middle stage of the season, with more disappointing performances in the British and Hungarian Grands Prix, but Alonso accepts the process is part of a learning curve for the team.
“I see solely positives as nicely; these struggles are a part of the job and a part of the journey of this group,” he said. “I believe we began actually sturdy with a automotive that was surprisingly aggressive even to us the step from final yr to this yr.
“Then we found ourselves maybe in a position that we were not ready for it, fighting with Mercedes, Ferrari, top teams. They are used to fighting at the level.
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Fernando Alonso overtakes Lewis Hamilton to move into third place at the restart of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
“I believe we have to discover some consistency, perhaps among the weak factors is the automotive has to function in a really slim window, it is the identical with everyone nevertheless it appears we’re struggling somewhat bit.
“It would be nice if we can perform always at a stable level and next year see if we can improve the straight line speed.
“I believe that was the [under] efficiency in numbers, our weak level all the time (was we had been) somewhat bit too gradual on the straights and if we need to be as quick because the others, we have to drop an excessive amount of the rear wing and we ended up gradual on the corners as nicely, in order that was in all probability the loop we couldn’t exit this season.”
‘Stroll commitment was a surprise to me’
Alonso says the level of commitment shown by his Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll, particularly after a poor run of form for the Canadian, came as a pleasant surprise.
Stroll, who is the son of team owner Lawrence, raced in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix just 12 days after suffering fractures to his hands, wrists and foot in a cycling accident.
Alonso was heard on team radio throughout the season attempting to aid his team-mate in any way possible, and once more spoke of a strong bond between the pair.
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Fernando Alonso reacts to Lance Stroll’s Alex Albon overtake
“We speak lots, we’re involved each week on the phone, within the manufacturing facility, in the races and we attempt to ensure we’re all in the identical route and we share many issues,” Alonso said.
“He is been by way of some difficulties this yr; the automotive was simply altering its behaviour somewhat bit and he was simply struggling somewhat bit greater than me and now we repair just a few issues within the automotive and now he is again in high kind.
“It was impressive to see his dedication, his motivation, in the highs and in the lows. At the beginning of the year with the broken hand, as I said, midway through the season with some difficulties. He was so determined to put things back in place again.
“Finally he did after I believe Mexico and the race in Brazil, the race in Vegas, this was the shock to me, the extent of dedication, the extent of motivation he has, that is solely excellent news and good issues for the group.”
24 races in 2024! Watch each spherical of subsequent season reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29-March 2. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW
