Fernando Alonso is gearing up for the action that starts this Friday in Monaco. On the eve of one of the calendar’s most spectacular and exclusive races, the Asturian driver appears among the top contenders. The buzz around Aston Martin has grown, noting that the AMR23 brings improvements not available during Imola when that race was canceled. Alonso himself called Monaco the perfect stage to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, explaining that the city circuit can limit the reigning leaders’ top speed where it matters most. Even Helmut Marko, a longtime adviser to Red Bull, has pointed to Alonso as a real candidate if Aston Martin performs well in practice and qualifying.
Alonso acknowledged that the weekend would be highly motivating. He stated that Monaco does not crown the strongest team, yet it offers opportunities that could tilt the balance in their favor. He suggested that, much like in Baku, Ferrari could enjoy a strong weekend, but he would be lying if he claimed not to come to Monaco with a mindset focused on winning. The driver emphasized that confidence and aggression are needed at a track where a bold, attacking approach can pay off, rain or shine. The message from the Asturian is clear: intent and resilience drive the campaign.
He added that Red Bulls hold a clear advantage due to their performance this year, but weekends like Monaco offer chances. On paper, the sport’s unpredictable nature can favor the challenger, particularly if misfortune befalls the leaders on Sunday. An admission that the championship is long and there is no quit in sight marked a firm commitment from Alonso.
[World Championship standings update]
Looking ahead to qualifying on Saturday, Alonso recognizes Monaco’s relentless difficulty in breaking away from the front row. He expressed satisfaction with the AMR23’s balance and ease of driving, praising the car’s speed and the pure enjoyment it brings. He recalled the sensation of driving with the same thrill he felt years earlier with Ferrari, when victories and precision felt within reach. The week in Monaco has shown him that a car with stability can unlock exciting performances on the tight streets.
In social media chatter about the race, a short post captured the moment with a nod to Monaco’s atmosphere and the team’s enthusiasm.
Alonso also touched on his future with Aston Martin, which will move to Honda engines in 2026. He highlighted that while the long-term plan is evolving, his focus remains on the present. He is energized by the progress in the package, the upcoming factory developments, and the wind tunnel upgrades scheduled for next year. He suggested that a continued role with Honda could evolve in other ways, underscoring the team’s ambition to build a strong, enduring project around their driver lineup. The sense is that the team will keep pursuing high performance across the board, including in leadership roles within the squad.
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message to Hamilton
Finally, Alonso offered a candid remark about rumours linking Ferrari to Hamilton as a possible final chapter for the Briton. He suggested that Hamilton has always believed in winning together as a team, and that if he does not win, he would likely stay with Mercedes rather than switch squads to chase a title elsewhere.