Max Verstappen sees Aston Martin winning races this season

Aston Martin is the team of the beginning of the season. During the pre-season tests, the AMR23 made a strong impression. And its driver Fernando Alonso was able to fulfill the expectations during the Bahrain weekend.

Finishing first in the second and third free practice sessions, the Spaniard managed to secure fifth position in qualifying ahead of the Mercedes. He then ended up on the podium after two thrilling duels against Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. Does this make him Red Bull’s closest competitor at the moment?

This is indeed the opinion of Max Verstappen, which he shared during the press conference after the Bahrain GP. The Dutchman expects to see Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso secure victories during the season. « I hope the same for Fernando as well because he had a few years where there wasn’t really a possibility to fight at the front. So, I’m happy to see him on the podium right from the first race. As I’ve already mentioned before, but Aston Martin really has the spirit and motivation. They want to win and they’ve hired a lot of good people. So, I suppose it can only improve for them. »

The Dutch driver, however, is cautious about the Aston Martin euphoria. He explains that for the championship, the British team may be too limited. However, victories in certain races are possible.

« I think that for this year, it is difficult to say if they will be a competitor for the championship, but race wins are certainly possible for them. I have been in the same position as them, some races where I finished 20 to 40 seconds behind the winners and you still win two or three races per year because sometimes there are tracks that suit your car and everything comes together. You can win a race with a little help or luck. But it is certain that they have a really solid team. And now, of course, it is about further developing it.

For Alonso, there are 22 opportunities this season.

As for Fernando Alonso, the new Aston Martin driver claims that he still has 22 opportunities this season to win his 33rd Grand Prix. When asked if a first place is possible, the 41-year-old driver responds: “I would say yes because when you are third in the first race, there are 22 chances this season. You know, anything can happen in 22 races with different conditions.”

I will do my best to seize the opportunity. Maybe we need help. Maybe this year, if there is assistance or issues… it’s more than just a podium we can win. Let’s hope that’s the case.

Lawrence Stroll’s team has reason to be optimistic, as with Fernando Alonso back in the spotlight and Lance Stroll’s return to form after his wrist injury, the British team can aim high this season.