Fernando Alonso will start the race in fourth place tomorrow at the Albert Park circuit, the scene of the Australian Grand Prix. The Asturian driver kept pace with Max Verstappen from the opening free practice on Friday through today’s classification, even as Russell and Hamilton’s Mercedes delivered a surprise that shuffled the final grid. Overall, Alonso walked away with a very positive read, noting that the gap to the RB19 has narrowed since ending practice as the closest challenger, just four tenths behind the World Cup leader.
“This was the closest race we’ve had to Verstappen, with only four-tenths between us. Even in the last attempt, it felt like we were closer than before”, Alonso stated, offered with an optimistic calm. From a performance standpoint, he called today possibly the best of the three time trials the team has conducted this season.
Relief came as the team avoided the rain that threatened through the late laps of qualifying. Alonso explained that with a fast car, the squad did not want any surprise or lottery involved, ensuring both cars finished inside the top six. He also highlighted his teammate Lance Stroll’s solid performance, securing a sixth-place finish that added to the team’s confidence heading into the race.
As the day unfolded, Alonso reflected on Sergio Pérez’s early exit in Q1 from a championship perspective. Leaving Mexico last on the grid, Pérez’s early elimination shaped the strategic thinking for the Red Bull squad and its rivals. Alonso observed that scoring more points than Pérez on Sunday would have brought them a bit closer in the standings, framing the day as a good one overall. While acknowledging the likelihood of a dream Australia victory for him, he tempered expectations by noting Red Bull’s continued speed. If chaos unfolded ahead of them and the field rearranged, Alonso admitted that there would be opportunities to capitalize, but he also cautioned that Red Bull remains in a different class on the straights.
“There’s only one Red Bull, and the other is starting behind us, so we must capitalize on any issues Max faces. Mercedes will also be in the mix, starting ahead, and it should be an entertaining race”, Alonso commented. He did not dismiss the possibility that Mercedes could re-emerge as a threat, recalling last year’s Brazil performance where Russell demonstrated late-season pace.
Looking ahead to the Australian race, Alonso did express some strategic doubts about tire choices. He noted that the hard tires were less forgiving than expected in cooler conditions, and suggested that a touch more heat could help those facing difficulties during the run. The plan was to pursue a straightforward race, minimize mistakes, and stay vigilant for track traps and safety signals that can shake up outcomes in a grand prix.
The strategy discussion also emphasized execution under changing track conditions. Alonso pointed out the track’s potential for distress flags and safety incidents, underscoring the need for careful management of tire wear and energy deployment. He stressed the importance of staying focused throughout the race to maximise opportunities that could arise from the unfolding race rhythm.
At a broader level, Alonso framed the weekend as a test of adaptability and resilience. Weather predictions, tire behavior, and the dynamics of a field dominated by Red Bull all weighed on pit strategies and on-track decisions. The Australian Grand Prix often rewards quick thinking and disciplined execution, traits Alonso has demonstrated repeatedly as he pushes to convert strong practice and a solid qualifying performance into a competitive race result. In the team’s view, maintaining consistency and avoiding errors could be the deciding factors in a circuit known for its challenging corners and variable grip.
Fans and analysts can anticipate a race where the pace of the leading car will set the tone, but where strategic choices and a few unlucky moments could widen or narrow the gap. Alonso’s candid assessment reflects a driver who respects the competition but remains confident in his own machinery and his ability to respond to whatever the track delivers. The day’s events set the stage for a race that promises drama, with several contenders eyeing steady progress and a shot at ending a weekend on a high note.