Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso couldn’t resist making another veiled jab at his former team, Alpine, after qualifying on the front row for the Miami Grand Prix. Alonso, who has revitalized Aston Martin’s performance since joining the team, emphasized the faith and belief the team has in his abilities, contrasting his experience with Alpine during contract negotiations.
Having finished fourth in the previous race in Azerbaijan, Alonso has been in strong contention throughout the Miami Grand Prix weekend. His impressive qualifying performance, securing second place behind Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, was aided by Charles Leclerc’s late crash, which limited the Q3 participants to a single run.
The two-time World Champion, who won his titles with Alpine (then Renault) in 2005 and 2006, returned to the team in 2021 after a two-year break from Formula 1. Reports suggested Alonso was dissatisfied with Alpine’s approach to contract negotiations in the 2022 season, with the team expressing concerns about his age. This prompted Alonso to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Alonso had already taken a swipe at Alpine during Friday’s practice session in Miami, and following his qualifying success, he highlighted Aston Martin’s belief in his performance and their commitment to his success.
The Spaniard credited the team’s unwavering support and the performance of the Aston Martin car for his strong showing in qualifying. Alonso expressed satisfaction with the familiar setup they settled on after experimentation during Saturday’s final practice session.
While discussing his qualifying experience, Alonso praised the handling of the car, emphasizing the confidence it provided in attacking the low-speed corners. The slippery track surface in Miami has proven challenging for many drivers, with numerous cars going off the circuit throughout the weekend. Alonso acknowledged the difficulties posed by the narrow racing line and off-line conditions, as well as the potential impact of rain on the upcoming race.
As Alonso prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, he remains focused on delivering a strong performance for Aston Martin. With his front-row start and the team’s newfound belief in his capabilities, Alonso aims to capitalize on the opportunity and continue his successful campaign with the team.
