Fernando Alonso has bizarrely claimed that 2023 was his ‘finest season ever’ and even higher than his two title-winning years.
The Formulation One icon definitely loved an amazing marketing campaign this 12 months – maybe his finest for a decade – as he returned to combating on the entrance of the grid.
He stood on the rostrum eight instances – the many of the non-Pink Bull drivers – and although Aston Martin’s tempo faltered within the second-half of the season, he did sufficient to complete fourth within the standings.
Sadly for the Spaniard, he was unable to finish his 10-year lengthy look ahead to a thirty third profession victory however there’s each hope that if his workforce gives the appropriate automobile he can win once more in 2024.
However although he did not style victory, Alonso charges 2023 increased than his championship successful campaigns of 2005 and 2006, in addition to 2007, 2010 and 2012 when he got here very, very near a 3rd title.
‘I’ve stated just a few instances already, I feel it’ll must associate with 2012,’ the 42-year-old stated following final weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.
‘I think about this my finest season ever, higher than 2005 and 2006 for positive, even when it was the championship years.
‘I feel the extent of efficiency, consistency and extracting the utmost of the automobile, I used to be very proud of how I join with the workforce and the automobile.
‘Simply sufficient to complete P4 within the championship. A bit of bit surprising, I might not put any cash on Thursday on myself ending fourth! However right here we’re, it’s like a present to complete in entrance of the Ferraris and Lando [Norris]. We take it.’
Even within the twilight of his profession, Alonso remains to be greater than able to racing on the entrance, and he little doubt harbors ambitions of successful a long-awaited third title.
2024 F1 Drivers’ Championship winner odds:
Max Verstappen – 1/4
Lando Norris – 8/1
Lewis Hamilton – 14/1
Charles Leclerc – 14/1
Fernando Alonso – 20/1
Oscar Piastri – 20/1
George Russell – 20/1
Carlos Sainz – 20/1
Sergio Perez – 25/1
Odds courtesy of Grosvenor Sport
However it will likely be a tall order for Aston Martin to outperform rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren, to not point out Pink Bull, with Max Verstappen the heavy favorite to win a fourth consecutive title.
However Alonso is optimistic, saying that now he’s settled in on the workforce, he can go into subsequent 12 months with extra confidence, including: ‘It’s going to be a a lot better winter.
‘When you eliminate the seat becoming, controls, lodging of your needs, placing a face and identify to everyone within the workforce, that drains a number of the vitality already within the months of January and February.
‘I feel subsequent winter goes to be a bit bit simpler for everyone to transition from 2023 to 2024. Excessive expectations as I stated, it’s not anymore a shock if we’re on the rostrum.
‘We have to ship that form of efficiency subsequent 12 months and we’re prepared for the problem. I’m excited, however I’m very drained from this 12 months! I would like a break earlier than pondering of 2024.’
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