The moment of truth has arrived. After a three‑month wait, the curtain rises on the F1 season in Bahrain. The single pre‑season test batch took place last week, and all eyes are on Fernando Alonso and the brand‑new AMR23 from Aston Martin. The car’s performance has already raised high expectations, and Bahrain will test if those hopes translate into tangible results.
The seasoned Spanish driver has made life a perpetual race, and even with years passing, his hunger to compete remains undiminished. After a two‑year spell during which Alpine did not deliver the performance or results he sought, a fresh challenge beckoned. Alonso joined the Silverstone squad to lead a bold project, stepping into a team building a new factory and a modern wind tunnel as part of a broader evolution.
The pre‑season sessions stirred enthusiasm and a generous dose of optimism. Like the rest of the grid, the team will need a handful of races to maximise the car’s potential, but Alonso already demonstrated speed, consistency, and reliability in Sakhir. The final day featured a long race simulation that drew attention not only from the press but from rivals as well. What stands out is clear: the AMR23 marks a substantial departure from its predecessor and shows evident evolution.
good vibes
Word of mouth spread about the possibilities of Alonso’s new car. Many, including rivals, now anticipate a serious podium challenge at the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, March 5 at 16:00. The two‑time champion worked with precision during the three test days, riding solo on Saturday and sharing time with Drugovich on Thursday and Saturday. A notable takeaway was the improved tire wear compared with prior tests. The team is now the focal point of attention.
While timing did not mirror those good vibes, it mattered little for a moment. Several variables such as weight, fuel load, and exact tyre compounds prevent a clean read on day one. Perez was fastest in the control session for Red Bull, while Alonso recorded a best time of 1:31.450, placing him in a competitive position. The data suggested that Red Bull still held a pace edge into qualifying, but projections indicated the AMR23 could close the gap in longer runs thanks to lower tire wear.
The Spaniard’s rapid acclimatization to a new environment stood out, with a car that seemed to respond well to adjustments and a few blistering laps. In the paddock, Alonso pressed toward the top trio and kept close company with Mercedes as the season opener approached.
Race week spirit was evident on social channels, a reminder of the global interest surrounding the Bahrain Grand Prix.
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 27, 2023
The main question for Aston Martin at Bahrain revolves around Alonso’s teammate. With Lance Stroll sidelined by a cycling accident and undergoing surgery, the squad clarified that if Stroll is unavailable the reserve driver will be Felipe Drugovich, with Stoffel Vandoorne also in the lineup. Rumors about Sebastian Vettel’s return were put to rest.
positive solutions
Looking back at the test, Alonso said, “It was a very positive day for the team. Now we must push to get the car ready for the first race as quickly as possible, but there isn’t enough time to test further. We know we have a long road ahead for the AMR23. We are making steady progress and the team is working relentlessly.”
Alonso also reflected on the testing dynamic, noting some challenges with trust in certain team interactions during development. He remarked that whether the issue lay with him or the car, the team needed to identify and address it swiftly. He highlighted that the car felt good across three days and that several experiments yielded promising results. The overall takeaway was a shift in philosophy from last year, a change that required time to optimise the entire package.
As the team moves forward, Alonso’s focus remains on rapid refinement and extracting every ounce of performance from the AMR23. The journey ahead will involve a handful of races to truly tune the car’s balance and efficiency, but the early signs point toward a competitive season and a deeper coalition between driver and machine.
Alonso’s enduring challenge
Fernando Alonso enters 2023 facing a fresh challenge with a team undergoing substantial transformation. The veteran Spaniard, who debuted with Minardi twenty‑two years earlier, begins his twentieth season in Formula 1 with a squad focused on a dramatic leap forward on the grid.
At 41, Alonso remains the oldest driver on the grid and holds the record for the most Grand Prix starts and the most laps completed in an F1 car. Since his 2021 return to F1 after a break from 2018 to 2020, he has continued to push the record books, accumulating feats such as the greatest total distance driven in F1 action. His experience, endurance, and constant pursuit of improvement continue to define his career arc as this season unfolds.