Fernando Alonso delights in 'dream' first half of 2023 Formula 1 season
- Rob Fleming
- 10 August 2023
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso has bestowed a "dream" status upon the initial phase of his 2023 Formula 1 campaign.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso called the opening chapter of his 2023 Formula 1 journey a "dream," having clinched six podium finishes in a dozen races.
Aston Martin sent shockwaves through the grid with their stellar performance at the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix, securing a podium through Alonso's prowess and a commendable sixth-place finish for Lance Stroll.
A mere year prior, Aston Martin had languished in the 12th and 17th positions with the now-retired Sebastian Vettel and Stroll, displaying an improvement during the latter stages of the 2022 F1 season and throughout the winter hiatus. Alonso's move from Alpine to Aston Martin occurred for the 2023 season and onwards.
Alonso proceeded to grace the podium in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Miami, Canada, and came tantalizingly close to seizing victory in Monaco.
When quizzed by the media about his assessment of the F1 season's progression thus far, the double champion responded, "Incredible. A dreamlike first half of the season. We currently stand at P3 in the Constructors' championship, leading Ferrari, while occupying the same position in the Drivers' Championship, alongside Lewis Hamilton. Such a scenario was inconceivable during the Bahrain leg."
Before the summer hiatus last season, Alonso sent shockwaves through the racing world by announcing his transition to Aston Martin and departure from Alpine.
Throughout his career, the Spaniard has often found himself in precarious situations while switching teams. He mused, "It would be splendid to possess a crystal ball prior to making such career-altering decisions where the future is laid bare. Nevertheless, I find contentment in my current situation and am profoundly proud of the forthcoming project."
Alpine have undergone a sweeping transformation of their upper echelons, having ousted team principal Otmar Szafnauer and the long-standing sporting director Alan Permane, as well as removing Laurent Rossi from the CEO position.
In response to queries about his feelings on the changes within his former team, Alonso remarked, "Not overly surprised."
As Formula 1 embarks on its summer interlude, the sport anticipates its return for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 28 at Circuit Zandvoort.
