Aston Martin's bittersweet F1 season: Fernando Alonso reflects on 'dream year'

However, the seasoned driver emphasizes that Formula 1 is not a charity event, underlining the relentless nature of the sport.

Aston Martin entered the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale trailing McLaren by 11 points, a gap that ultimately proved insurmountable. Even with Alonso securing seventh and Lance Stroll securing tenth, McLaren's strong finish with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured their fourth-place standing.

The Silverstone-based team, once the closest rival to Red Bull at the season's outset, experienced a roller-coaster journey. Alonso's stellar performance in the early races, claiming six podiums in the first eight events, hinted at a formidable challenge. However, a mid-season downturn following unsuccessful upgrades in Canada and the United States tempered their aspirations.

A spark reignited after the Mexico City Grand Prix, culminating in a commendable three-five finish in Brazil. Despite this late-season surge, it fell short of bridging the gap to McLaren.

Reflecting on the season, Alonso, who finished an impressive fourth in the Drivers' Championship, described it as a "dream". He acknowledged the disappointment of the team's fifth-place finish in the Constructors', expressing a belief that they were capable of more.

"This is Formula 1; this is not a charity event. We have to have the pressure and deliver," Alonso asserted. "Fifth in the Constructors' hurts a little bit because I think we were better than that, and we were hoping to be better than that at the beginning of the year."

He highlighted the unexpected success of finishing fourth in the Drivers' Championship, considering the tough competition they faced. Alonso's personal journey, from early scepticism to exceeding expectations, marks 2023 as one of the best seasons in his illustrious career.

"In fact, if you are fifth in the Constructors', normally you should be ninth and 10th in the Drivers', so it is a dream season for everyone in Aston Martin, including myself," Alonso remarked.

As he reflected on the year, Alonso drew parallels between 2012 and the current season, labelling them as the pinnacle of his career. He marvelled at the unforeseen achievements, standing in stark contrast to initial expectations given the team's performance.

In the realm of Formula 1, where margins are razor-thin and challenges abound, Aston Martin's journey in 2023, as encapsulated by Alonso's words, is a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.

 

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