Alonso: 'Expect Verstappen to reach the podium'

Fernando Alonso will start from third position in Belgium. Due to the penalties of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, among others, the Spaniard was moved up on the grid. He, therefore, does not expect a podium to be realistic.

Alonso remains realistic and says he not only expects an attack from Verstappen and Leclerc but also thinks the Mercedes will be fast on Sunday. "The Mercedes are normally very strong on race pace and also Verstappen will eventually come into the podium positions as well. We’ve been competitive and in front of Mercedes today is a little bit of a nice surprise," Alonso is quoted by MotorsportWeek.com.

Alonso does not expect to be able to mount a real attack on Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez ahead of him. "Maybe Carlos and Checo will touch and I have a freeway in front of me. That is what I will visualise!" The Alpine driver hopes that a place in the top six is possible at the Grand Prix.