Alonso cautiously positive: 'The baseline looks better'

Fernando Alonso is seen by competitors as a dark horse for the new F1 season based on the 2023 F1 winter tests. The Spanish Aston Martin driver spoke at the FIA press conference.

Alonso on chances in 2023

Speaking to GPBlog.com and others, Alonso does not immediately hint that he will be among the top performers this year: "There are less and less tests these days. You don't feel 100% ready with the car. Especially as I have changed teams. However, that is the case for everybody so lets go." Although he does point out a positive: "You never know what the other are doing. Let's see after this race, Jeddah or Austtralia. We are aim to make a step forward. Aston Martin had some difficulties with the car last year, but I think we have a better baseline."

When asked directly if he thinks he can win a GP this year, the Spaniard remains cautious: "It is a very ambitious project. Talented people. People that want to succeed and win in the near future. I don't know [if I will win a race], difficult to say now."

Age and experience Alonso remain topic of discussion

The two-time world champion is starting his 20th season in Formula 1 and is one of the oldest drivers in modern F1 history. His age and experience remain topics of conversation. Alonso: "It's a privalge to still be driving here. I feel better than ever. I have no concerns with my age yet. I will be the first to feel that."