Qatar Grand Prix: Alonso Eyes A Tough Weekend For Aston Martin
The Qatar Grand Prix delivered an unexpected podium in 2021 with Fernando Alonso, who stepped onto the podium while racing for Alpine, ahead of stars like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This time around, an Aston Martin car that has lost some power since the summer break faces a challenging track in Losail, known for its medium to high speed corners. Alonso himself recognizes the difficulty ahead, anticipating a weekend where extracting maximum performance will be essential as the team pushes to maximize any advantage with the AMR23.
Arriving at the Qatar circuit on a Thursday, Alonso admitted that dreaming of a podium this weekend would be optimistic. The sprint format, the fresh tarmac, and extreme heat will create additional stress for all teams as they fine-tune the car to squeeze every bit of performance possible before the race weekend unfolds.
The Spaniard also noted that Suzuka’s tougher layout could foreshadow a demanding period for his team. With track temperatures soaring and a surface undergoing changes, the adage about grip and balance in fast corners takes on heightened relevance for the current generation of cars. In this setup, the usual dynamics between slow and fast corners are inverted, offering a different challenge for the drivers and engineers. Alonso emphasized that the sprint weekend would bring extra excitement and opportunity, but warned that the overall pace could remain fragile through practice and qualification as teams adapt to new asphalt and facilities.
On the subject of the ongoing battle with McLaren, Alonso highlighted that there are 49 points left in the championship with six races to go. The two teams are vying for fourth place in the Constructors’ standings, a fight that could define tail-end momentum for the next season. He conceded that McLaren has shown consistency lately, particularly noted for a strong run in Austria and Silverstone before the summer break, while his own team experienced a podium at Zandvoort but faced tougher times elsewhere. That said, the battle remains highly dynamic, with confidence able to swing dramatically from weekend to weekend.
Looking ahead, there are new parts planned toward the season’s end. The aim of these updates is not to add outright speed but to steer the development of next year’s car, preparing the team to close the gaps that remain. Alonso suggested that nobody is bringing massive upgrades, so the balance of power might resemble what is seen in Japan. While he did not expect a podium to be a given, he cautioned that surprises could occur during a race weekend, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing.
When asked about Max Verstappen’s potential third world title this weekend, Alonso praised the Dutch driver’s flawless talent while avoiding direct comparisons to past legends. He offered sincere congratulations for Verstappen’s achievement and acknowledged that several races in succession have demanded exceptional consistency, often under difficult weather conditions. While not committing to predictions, Alonso hinted that future seasons could bring even stronger performances from Verstappen, and he posited that a continued ascent could place Verstappen among the all-time greats in the sport. The comment also touched on the evolving era of competition and how each new season could shape the landscape for titles to come.
Regarding Andretti’s interest in joining the F1 grid in 2026 after passing FIA screening, Alonso expressed a measured perspective. He described Andretti as a great organization within the sport, while noting that final decisions lie with the governing bodies and the Formula One Management team. He also reflected on the competitive nature of the grid, suggesting that even with a larger field, the fight for positions tends to concentrate among a handful of squads with similar package strengths. The overall takeaway was one of cautious optimism about expansion, tempered by the realities of the sport’s governance and competitive balance.