The Miami Grand Prix qualifying was a blessing for Fernando Alonso, as the misfortune of Max Verstappen gave the Aston Martin star his front-row start for Sunday. However, he isn’t optimistic about his race prospects. The Spaniard claims even winning a podium would be tough.
His prediction roots in the belief that Ferrari is right behind him, eyeing to cover up the mistakes of Saturday. On the other hand, Max Verstappen is in P9, who would be aiming to catch up against his now championship rival cum teammate Sergio Perez.
So, Alonso thinks despite Sundays working in their favor so far, it would be the opposite in Miami this time. But he vows to do his own race and optimize his result.
“I don’t think that we have to target a win, especially after how the weekend went,” he said to Speedcafe. “I think even the podium will be difficult, but we will do our race.”
He’s done it again!
Fernando Alonso is your @cryptocom Overtake of the Month winner for March AND April 🏆🏆#F1 @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/rbsZkGXhda
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2023
Fernando Alonso isn’t expecting much
With the rising competition against Aston Martin, Alonso isn’t looking forward to a big result. In fact, he claims that he would be satisfied with even a P5 or a P7 result. He isn’t absolutely dismissive of a podium but isn’t expecting it, either.
Speaking about his mindset at the start of the race, he informs that the objective would be to overtake Perez before turn 1. After that, whatever happens in the race would be accepted, be it P5 or even P7.
Fernando Alonso predicts how Max Verstappen’s race will go tomorrow night… 👀 pic.twitter.com/IiABI7Rjsj
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 6, 2023
For Alonso, either of the Red Bull drivers would secure a win on Sunday. In short, he thinks it will be a tough race for his side.
But not much overtaking
But Alonso, with his recent statement, has contradicted what he said on Friday The two-time world champion claimed that the overtaking in Miami would be limited because of the shortened DRS zone and off-the-racing line tracks being dirty.
Alonso raised the latter point by saying that the lack of F2 and F3 races not cleaning up the track would limit the overtaking. So, it essentially safeguards him from losing his P2 spot easily.
Regarding performances, Alonso is hailed as among the greatest drivers of all time. So, it’s fair to expect some incredible defense by him. Rest depends on his fate.
