Fernando Alonso left a mighty “brake balance” advice for his teammate Lance Stroll during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix race. The Asturian provided much-needed info for the Canadian to help him in the battle against Lewis Hamilton.
As heard on the radio, Alonso asked his race engineer to provide Stroll with a setting he used in the race. The Spanish driver said, “Tell Lance my brake balance suggestion, as I am now.” He also added, “I think it’s a good help.”
Fernando Alonso giving Lance Stroll braking advice, before Stroll almost loses the car under braking 😅 pic.twitter.com/DQWkv1nOe6
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) April 30, 2023
This has come right after the 24-year-old was under immense pressure from Hamilton behind. The Mercedes star breathed down his neck while the Canadian struggled with his brakes.
The 41-year-old, who leapfrogged compatriot Carlos Sainz to P4, thought the setting on his challenger would be a big help for his teammate. But ultimately, Stroll couldn’t keep his place as he ran wide, giving Hamilton the perfect opportunity to overtake.
Stroll couldn’t keep his place despite suggestions
The Canadian driver failed to make use of the advice his veteran teammate had for him. Before he can utilize it, he lost his place to the seven-time world champion.
The Lap 20 of the Baku race saw the Aston Martin star run wide. This opened up the opportunity for the Briton to close the gap on Stroll. As the 2.2 kilometers stretch arrived, Hamilton made sure he took the opportunity to overtake the Aston Martin.
LAP 20/51
Stroll mis-steps and Hamilton pounces on the mistake
The Mercedes driver is up to P6 #AzerbaijanGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZfAFSklZm7
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 30, 2023
The Aston Martins have been facing issues with the DRS this weekend. Furthermore, with Stroll in the cockpit, it looks off the pace against another Mercedes of George Russell lurking in the background.
How did the race sum up for Alonso and Stroll in the end?
The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix can be regarded as a damage limitation week for Aston Martin. The British team has struggled with their DRS in the qualification, but in the end, they are expected to be happy with their points haul.
Alonso, despite starting the race in P6, went up two places to finish in P4. He tried his best to catch Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to keep his podium momentum going, but the Monegasque escaped with a second to spare.
