Having had a challenging start in eighth place due to errors during qualifying, Alonso managed only a slight improvement, finishing in seventh place, trailing his team-mate Lance Stroll, in the Barcelona F1 race.
This signifies the second instance in 2023 where Alonso has not achieved a podium finish for Aston Martin.
“Our overall speed was the primary issue,” explained Alonso.
“It wasn’t about misfortune or differing race strategies, but the fact that we were notably slower than the Mercedes on both soft and hard tyres.
“Our focus remained on the Alpines, AlphaTauris, and matching Ferrari’s pace.
“Ultimately, I believe we amassed more points than Ferrari this weekend as they only scored with Carlos [Sainz]. Even though we lagged behind the Mercedes, they outperformed us this time around. So, we’re setting our sights on the next race.”
When queried about whether the team’s performance was specific to this circuit or influenced by rivals’ upgrades, Alonso confessed that both factors played a part.
“I believe the track didn’t favour us much,” he commented.
Carlos Sainz of Scuderia Ferrari and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin F1 Team discuss post-race developments
Photo by: Mark Sutton / F1 Flow Images
“From the initial practice, our set-up significantly deviated from what we’d anticipated, necessitating extra work throughout the weekend to acclimatize with the car – an unusual situation for us.
“Usually, we’re content from the first practice [this year], but this time, additional effort was needed.
“Considering other teams’ upgrades, it seems they might not have displayed their full capabilities in Monaco and Miami street circuits. Today, it was evident they have stepped up their game.
“However, I’m not overly concerned. There will be ups and downs, and I’m confident our chance will come in Canada.”
In response to F1 Flow.com’s question whether the Barcelona race served as a reality check following a series of strong performances, he replied, “No, I don’t believe so. I anticipate a significantly different scenario in two weeks, and hopefully, we will be competing with the Red Bulls soon.”
He continued, “I need to qualify well. Reflecting on my mistakes from yesterday’s qualifying session, I wished I could turn back time and attempt again, as it could have altered the course of events.
“Unfortunately, I can’t change the past! Thus, my focus is now on Canada, and I plan to use this as motivation to perform well there.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alonso’s Performance in Barcelona F1 Race
What was Fernando Alonso’s position in the Barcelona F1 race?
Fernando Alonso finished in seventh place in the Barcelona F1 race.
Why did Alonso start only eighth in the race?
Alonso started in the eighth position due to two mistakes he made during the qualifying session.
Has Alonso failed to reach the podium for Aston Martin before in 2023?
Yes, this is the second time in 2023 that Alonso hasn’t been on the podium for Aston Martin.
What did Alonso identify as the biggest problem in the race?
Alonso pointed out that the main issue was the lack of speed in their car, making them slower compared to Mercedes on both soft and hard tyres.
Did Aston Martin manage to outscore Ferrari in the Barcelona F1 race?
According to Alonso, they did outscore Ferrari over the weekend as Ferrari only managed to score with Carlos Sainz.
What is Alonso’s outlook for the upcoming race in Canada?
Alonso is optimistic about the race in Canada and hopes to use the experience from Barcelona as motivation to perform better. He also hopes that they’ll soon be able to compete with the Red Bulls.
More about Alonso’s Performance in Barcelona F1 Race
- Fernando Alonso’s Career Statistics
- Aston Martin F1 Team Profile
- Barcelona F1 Race Results
- 2023 F1 Season Overview
5 comments
Alsono always keeping it real. No sugarcoating, just plain truth. Gotta respect that!!
Kinda hard to see Aston Martin not being on top. they were so good last year…
fingers crossed for canada! hope they can turn things around.
It’s not just about pace, it’s strategy too. maybe Alonso needs to rethink his game plan.
Aston Martin’s got some work to do, thats for sure. But dont count Alonso out, he’s a fighter!