Most recent 15 F1 News items:
Monday, 4 Nov 2024
FIA Penalizes Russell and Norris Following Chaotic São Paulo Start- Ireland’s Relationship with Formula One is Fading Fast - 2
- Alpine Scores 30 Million Euros Boost in Interlagos Triumph - 6
- Alonso Calls for Better Wet Tyres After Brazilian GP Chaos - 2
- Audi to Confirm Hulkenberg’s 2025 Teammate Soon After Delays - 2
- Verstappen Silences Critics with Dominant Brazil GP Victory - 5
Sunday, 3 Nov 2024
FIA Investigates McLaren Tyre Water Insertion Claims Amidst Title Battle - 2- Fernando Alonso Reveals Aston Martin’s Year-Long Performance Decline
- Red Bull Hints at Surprise 2025 Teammate for Max Verstappen - 1
- Red Bull Gains Speed but Verstappen’s Lead Cut by Norris
- Alpine's Engine Future in Focus After Renault Scraps 2026 Project - 1
- Jos Verstappen Denies Rift With Manager Amid Brazilian GP Rumours
- Storm Disrupts Sao Paulo GP Schedule & Qualifying Set for Sunday - 2
Saturday, 2 Nov 2024
Verstappen's Battle Intensifies Amid McLaren's Bold Brazil Setup Gamble- Gabriel Bortoleto Emerges as Key Audi-Sauber Contender for 2025 - 1
- Horner Meeting Fuels Speculation: Colapinto to Replace Perez? - 5
- Sophia Florsch Slams F1 Academy & Calls Out Pinkwashing Tactics
- Leclerc Escapes Harsh Penalty & Verstappen Reacts to FIA Decision - 5
- Shwartzman Leaves F1 Dream & Embraces New IndyCar Chapter - 1
- Racing Bulls Confirmed as Red Bull's Rebranded Team for 2025 Season - 1
✅ Check out all our F1 News & Updates »
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is heading into next weekend's 2013 season opener with realistic expectations of a podium finish.
"I think so," the 2012 title runner-up is quoted by Spain's El Pais newspaper during a sponsor event in Barcelona on Monday. Fabled Ferrari has had a much better winter compared to a year ago, when the Maranello team was multiple seconds off the pace. Alonso fought back to lose the championship to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel by just 3 points, and he is expecting a similar contest in 2013.
"McLaren, Lotus will be there," he said. "And Mercedes, who have worked on this car since the middle of last season, have improved. "But it would be a major surprise if Red Bull is not in front of everyone," said Alonso. "They should be able to win in Australia even with the car of Brazil (2012)."
He said his wish for 2013 is therefore to have a car "capable of fighting with the best". "Able to win races and podiums," the Spaniard clarified. "We can't forget that late last year we were 7 or 8 tenths behind the competition. So we will not be the fastest, but we will not be 1.6 seconds behind, as we were in Australia last year.
"But we are faster," he is quoted by the AS newspaper. "The base is infinitely better. "I need a faster car to win, but two tenths (slower than the best) is enough." Alonso said those trying to predict the Melbourne pecking-order based on winter testing will need to wait until next weekend to know the real answer.
"Impossible," he said when asked how easy it is to extrapolate Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull and Lotus' true form based on the three Spanish tests. "You don't go to a training camp to see if Barca is going to win on Sunday, or watch Djokovic and Nadal warm up to know the winner.
"The first four or five races will be a surprise for everyone," added Alonso.
See all Fernando Alonso info & statistics.
Please share this on social media:
✅ Check out more posts with related topics: