Alonso: 'If you read Mercedes' comments, seems their car can't reach Q3'

Fernando Alonso has called Mercedes out for underestimating their own performances during the 2023 Formula 1 season. After two races, they sit equal in second with Aston Martin but Mercedes have been extremly critical and down beat about their results.

Alonso was beaten by both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix. He will line-up alongside Hamilton on the grid. But Sky Sports asked whether Alonso was surprised by the Mercedes performance.

"Not really, they were fast in Jeddah already. They were fast in FP2. They are always fast. If you read their comments, it seems they have a car that is out before Q3. It's not that car," Alonso said.

Rain prevented a lot of running in the second free practice session. Alonso sees little data and expects everyone to be unsure about the best strategy for the Grand Prix.

"I think there are many unknowns, after missing the race. The temperature will be very different tomorrow, supposed to be sunshine. I think nobody is fully ready yet in terms of strategy and race preparation. The Mercedes can make a good start, and stop Max somehow. Otherwise, it'll be a boring race for him," Alonso added.