Fernando Alonso’s return to Formula 1 with Aston Martin in 2023 started with a bang, as he secured five podium finishes in the opening six rounds. However, recent races have seen a shift in fortunes, with only one more podium to his name. The Belgian Grand Prix, in particular, featured an uncharacteristic unforced error from Alonso, resulting in a crash during the sprint race.
As Formula 1 prepares to resume after the summer shutdown, there are questions about whether Alonso’s “honeymoon” period with Aston Martin is coming to an end. Some observers believe that Alonso must maintain his position as the central figure in the team, especially considering the influence of Lawrence Stroll, the father of his teammate Lance Stroll, who holds a significant role within the team.
Peter Windsor, a motorsport journalist and commentator, commented on Alonso’s situation, saying, “Right now, his job is to try to make sure that Aston Martin remains very much The Fernando Alonso Show. And that’s not going to be an easy task over the second half of 2023.”
Windsor pondered whether this could be the moment when reality sets in for Alonso, realizing that Aston Martin is a team owned by the Stroll family. The recent sprint race mishap and Alonso’s demeanor during the incident have raised questions about his mindset.
As the season progresses, Alonso faces the challenge of maintaining his position as a driving force within the team and continuing to deliver strong performances on the track. Whether he can maintain his influence in the face of increasing competition from rival teams remains to be seen.
