It was a dream start for Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso in 2023. It wasn't victories, but it was two podiums. The Spaniard does not expect an easy repeat in Australia and will have to fight for another podium finish.
Alonso hopes for win number 33
So says the Aston Martin driver to Spanish F1 journalist Albert Fabrega. Aston Martin has got off to a strong start this season. In Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Alonso could not really hold his own against Red Bull Racing, but did beat Mercedes and Ferrari drivers.
On his chances this weekend and this year, Alonso says the following: "The championship is long and a lot can change. I don't know if it is possible to get a podium again. We are not Red Bull's direct challenger. It is the same as in Jeddah. I hope I can grab number 33 [33rd win], but I have to be realistic."
'Start in Jeddah was mistake'
Looking back at the Saudi Arabia race, which went strangely for Alonso and in which his podium was restored after he was previously taken off the podium, the Spaniard elaborates on the modified starting grid. Alonso received a time penalty for failing to line up properly at the start at the grid last race. The starting spots have therefore now been made wider.
Alonso: "It was my own fault for not lining up properly in Jeddah. The visibility is not good. We always focus on the yellow line and not on the exact position. I was not trying to take advantage of it."