Starting grid for F1 Japanese GP, Sainz sixth and Alonso tenth
Fernando Alonso begins from tenth on the grid at Suzuka, a result that mirrors the relentless pace of a very demanding circuit where Red Bull often dominates and even the strongest challengers stumble. The season has seen the Asturian driver navigate a path that slowly distances his team from the early-season talks of competing with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Yet Alonso faces the challenge with a candid mindset, embracing a year of learning and pushing himself every weekend. Today, after a frustrating moment in Singapore, he managed to protect his momentum by advancing to the third quarter, keeping alive the possibility of a strong result in a race that is crucial for the team’s development this season.
We didn’t know where we would end up because we’ve seen it before. Free practice revealed that rhythm was scarce and the crew faced a tough balance. In the first quarter, the pace was inconsistent, and the team found itself knocked down to fourteenth. The second quarter offered a definite lift, landing in tenth, with a similar position in the third. Suzuka’s high-speed corners were a real test for the car and for our expectations, and there was a shared worry about upcoming tracks like Qatar that could pose similar difficulties. Still, a competitive lap secured entry into the third quarter, a feat Alonso welcomed with a quiet pride behind the hard work that shaped the session. He highlighted that the classification, though not widely noticed, reflected the effort and skill on display.
In assessing the situation, Alonso pointed out the ongoing struggle with speed and acknowledged the gap between the front-runners and the midfield. He noted that changes in development by AlphaTauri and others were part of the reason the team remains stronger in the early segments of qualifying than deeper into the session. Still, he celebrated the fact that they could reach Q3 and continue to mine every opportunity for improvement. The Spaniard emphasized that the true value of these moments lay in what they can build on going forward, especially as the team adapts to evolving technical demands.
Speaking candidly, Alonso reflected on Verstappen’s performance, recognizing that even the current weekend’s pole position did not fully showcase the usual supremacy of the World Championship leader. He recalled Singapore where the margin was different and where the field delivered a standout result for the Dutch driver. Despite this, Alonso remained focused on the race ahead and the potential to play a meaningful role in the points battle. He stated that Sunday’s race would begin just behind Mercedes, and his aim was clear: stay in touch with a solid result, and maximize points opportunities while keeping expectations grounded. The emphasis was on progression over the course of the event, with the understanding that the checkered flag would determine the outcome and that every point earned mattered.
Looking ahead to the race, Alonso spoke about keeping a balanced mindset. A podium would be a stretch given the performance gap observed in practice, but finishing in a strong middle ground would be a significant achievement for the team. The approach was pragmatic: “We would be disappointed if we believed we were fighting for the podium. We will be happy if we are in the central region and we will strive to collect as many points as possible and see what happens next.” The summed philosophy was simple—keep the focus on the task at hand and let the result unfold with the checks and flags.
Beyond the immediate race, Alonso considered what the Suzuka experience could teach the team for the season’s end and for the next campaign. He pointed to the car’s setup and the experimental elements that have been tested, stressing that both driving feel and tire management require careful balancing. The driver also touched on strategic decisions, such as prioritizing a strong qualifying performance to maximize race-day options, a lesson learned as the season progressed and the team observed rivals making notable performance leaps. In this context, the rapid progress made by McLaren this year stood out as an inspiration for the future, underscoring how ongoing development can shift the balance of power in Formula 1.
Amid the broader narrative, Alonso remained mindful of Aston Martin’s recent hurdles and the potential value of these experiences for the upcoming season. He suggested that the adjustments tested in Suzuka could shape the team’s approach in 2025, especially regarding how the car handles the nuances of high-speed tracks and mid-race tire management. He stressed that every session offers lessons, from setup choices to race strategy, and that understanding rivals’ moves is essential to staying competitive. The reflection concluded with a hopeful note about the path forward, acknowledging the impressive strides made by rivals and the need to keep pushing for consistent results as the season closes and the next one approaches.