Alonso doesn't want to jump the gun despite finishing top in FP2

Fernando Alonso is the man on everyone's tongue after outperforming the rest of the grid on the opening day of the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Aston Martin driver finished first in FP2 and second in FP1, to the surprise of many. However, despite finding the pace to finish with the fastest lap on Friday, the Spaniard is aware that "there is still a long way to go."

"It's another step in the right direction, the car still feels good, but we need to wait and see," Alonso told Sky Sports after FP2, before adding, "at the moment there is still not a lot of focus on times. We have to improve a few things on the car in terms of set-up but it's still very early days."

Change occurring at Aston Martin

Aston Martin have been at the top of many people's predictions ahead of the season, which may be explained by the supposed 'change' mentioned by Alonso, as he explained that, "[with] the approach to racing, we are changing quite a few things. We are trying to reinforce the team in every area and not only car performance. It's going to be an interesting process, but the team is learning every day.

"Let's see what happens in the first couple of races. At the moment it's good test sessions, but I don't know... Lawrence has this vision on everything he does and it's difficult to see Lawrence Stroll fail on anything that he has done."

Aston Martin back on top?

To finish, Alonso stated that the British team's chance of contending has been coming, but "there is still a long way to go.

"I think it's a matter of time before Aston Martin starts to challenge the top teams. As I said, we are in an interesting process with a completely new car and different technical department with a lot of things that we are learning."