After the Spanish Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso boldly vowed it would be the season’s last race without a podium. However, the British Grand Prix sets him on the back foot after he ensures no more than a P9 start for the main race on Sunday. Moreover, he argues that the season doesn’t end at Silverstone and believes Aston Martin, in the end, will overcome the setbacks.
However, coming to the present, the progress of McLaren, with Mercedes and Ferrari showing better pace, is surely discouraging for Aston Martin. So much so that both McLaren drivers secured a P2-3 start for Sunday.
So, the podium success is something that is out of range for Alonso this weekend. But for him, there will be a time soon in the season when the Silverstone-based team will make a comeback.
Fresh out the car to congratulate each other. 🧡 @LandoNorris 🤜🤛 @OscarPiastri#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BksxZG9DTn
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 8, 2023
Fernando Alonso breaks Barcelona vow but ensures the revival
The Spaniard revealed his team’s weakness in Silverstone, as he claimed that on fast corners, they are struggling but doing considerably well on slow corners. But with that, he gives up on hope for this weekend and his promise in Spain. Though it isn’t like Alonso won all podiums after Spain, he missed out on one in Austria too.
“We are trying to understand the car, we are struggling in fast corners, but in slow corners, we are doing very well, and in Hungary, we might be fighting for the podium again,” said Alonso to DAZN.
He also claimed that he isn’t regretting his performance on Saturday, as this is not “the Silverstone championship.” For him, the season is still long, and any remorse would be shown in Abu Dhabi.
Alex Albon, a big headache for Sunday?
While Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Mclaren were expected to be stronger in Silverstone, there was a surprising entry into the big boys’ club this weekend. Williams, with Alex Albon, showed incredible pace, and the Thai-born British driver secured a P8 start for Sunday.
The Williams superstar has already shown his expertise in defense in Canada last month. Thus, there is a possibility that he will be a headache for Alonso for the main event.
Though, there is no doubt that Alonso is still a force to reckon with. But despite the brilliance in Q1, AMR23 looked limited at Silverstone, and it would be a huge factor for their fight on Sunday.
