Fernando Alonso describes podium finish as phenomenal for Aston Martin, overcoming recent challenges.
At the start of the season, Aston Martin, led by a resurgent Fernando Alonso, emerged as the main challenger to Red Bull Racing. However, as the season progressed, the team faced setbacks and dropped to fifth place in the constructors’ championship.
In Brazil, both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll secured impressive finishes, taking third and fifth place respectively, putting Aston Martin back on track.
Nevertheless, Alonso’s path to the podium was not an easy one. He faced intense pressure from Sergio Perez for 30 laps, and when Perez overtook him with two laps to go, Alonso thought the podium was out of reach. However, he made a daring move in Turn 4 on the final lap, reclaiming third place.
“I was under pressure from Perez for about 30 laps,” Alonso said. “When he passed me with two laps to go, I thought ‘ok, the podium is no longer possible’.
“He braked too late in Turn 1 and I went for it in Turn 4. This is a phenomenal result for the team.”
“We’ve had a tough few months, especially the last two races with two retirements, so this podium is for them, for everyone in the factory. We kept fighting until the last lap.”
In Austin, Aston Martin introduced a radical package of updates, but it proved unsuccessful. They reverted to the previous setup in Qatar, which ultimately led to their podium finish in Sao Paolo.
“We are still getting to know the car,” said Alonso. “These cars are so aerodynamically complex that we are experimenting to find the direction for next year, without forgetting this year.”
“I’m so happy with the result, now off to Vegas.”
This photo of Alonso and Perez battling to the finish line
(via tymandan/IG) pic.twitter.com/XQeDHrRW6X
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 5, 2023