Fernando Alonso reflected on a weekend that surprised many. He admitted in Abu Dhabi that he did not expect to reach Q3 or to finish seventh, and he warned that finishing fourth in the World Championship would be a tough climb, possibly even leaving him seventh overall. With 200 points, teammate Sainz and rivals Norris and Leclerc close behind, the Asturian noted that Ferrari and McLaren are currently a step behind Aston Martin in performance. Yet he kept a clear focus: the championship battle will decide the narrative, not the journey to the end of a race weekend. He underscored his desire to be competitive in 2023, aiming for podiums and a strong note to close the season.
Verstappen wins last pole position of the year in Abu Dhabi
In one sense or another, Alonso hopes to showcase strength in the final race of the season. Ferrari, set to bid farewell to its first season with Aston Martin, carried a positive outlook: seventh place felt better than anticipated, and a fourth place would hint at Ferrari reclaiming a top-three stance with Leclerc. The team emphasized that progress was tangible and that the car had finally found its stride for the sprint to the end of the year. The aim remained to finish the season on a high note while recognizing the gaps that still exist to bridge to the leaders. The value of podiums and a competitive feel for the team was a clear priority.
“Lando starts ahead, and the McLarens are flying, so I expect some loss of position to him in the drivers’ standings,” Alonso explained. “But what matters most is the constructors’ fight, and Aston Martin is not far off in the points battle. The team sits just behind in the race for fourth place, and there is a sense that the margins will tighten in the final races. If things go as usual, there may not be much to do. Of course, if a chaotic race unfolds with a safety car or a crash, we will adapt and try to maximize opportunities.”
Classification and starting order of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP with Alonso 7th and Sainz 16th
Real-world conditions forced a careful, adaptive approach. Alonso described a day of rapid shifts in grip, noting changes made after a brief practice session and the challenge of turning a mid-pack pace into a solid result. Early session results placed him mid-pack, but evolving track conditions and tire management shaped the performance. As practice sessions evolved, confidence grew that seventh place could be a fair assessment of the effort and the tire strategy. The day underscored the art of adapting to a track that evolves quickly and the importance of balancing aggressive pace with durability in the tires. The race strategy would hinge on maintaining grip while navigating potential tire degradation, with hopes that a strong start could set the tone for a competitive weekend ahead.