Fernando Alonso is gearing up for a fresh start in Formula 1. The 41-year-old Spaniard will start working for Aston Martin and has expectations that the partnership will turn out positively, although it will take a lot to do so.
For the past two seasons, Alonso was under contract with Alpine, where he performed excellently. In his new car from Aston Martin, however, the driver notices that the car is put together differently, so he will have to work hard in pre-season to get to grips with it.
Alonso points to the controls and procedures on the steering wheel. "They are very different compared to what I’m used to," he stated in a conversation with Formula1.com. However, Lance Stroll's new teammate is confident that things will be fine.
"I have to practice them until they become automatic, in my head, in my fingers, so I arrive [for the opening round of the season] in Bahrain at 100%." The first race of the season is scheduled for early March.
Alonso on feeling good
The driver speaks of a unique atmosphere in Aston Martin's garage, which would be a good sign for the upcoming season. With the British formation, Alonso wants to try to compete for podium places in the coming years.