Fernando Alonso expressed optimism about his and Aston Martin’s chances of taking on Max Verstappen and ending Red Bull’s winning streak at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.
Alonso secured third place on the grid behind Verstappen and von Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg in Saturday’s qualifying session in Montreal as persistent rain affected the race.
After getting out of the car, Alonso said: “It was a very tricky qualifying when it came to choosing the right tire at the right time and we think third place is a good starting position.”
Alonso was then asked about his chances of “getting to the top” and eclipsing Red Bull, who have won all seven races so far this season – pole-sitter Verstappen claiming five of them.
“Let’s see,” he said. “I think tomorrow we have a chance to put some pressure on [on them]. They have won very easily so far and hope they will have to push a bit harder tomorrow.”
Pressing how he could get closer and citing Red Bull’s winning margins so far, he teased: “[By being] two seconds behind them, not 20 seconds behind them!”
Alonso is expected to start 10 places ahead of his team-mate and home favorite Lance Stroll, who retired in Q2 after damaging his front wing when he skidded at Turn 6.
“We changed the wing, went back out, but at that point in the session we just had the wrong tires at the wrong time and that was the end for us, so to speak,” lamented Stroll. “[But] There are definitely a lot of opportunities here on Sundays, so we’ll see what we can do.”
Aston Martin starts the race in third place the constructor rating18 points behind second-placed Mercedes, with Alonso on the podium in five of the first seven races this season.
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