Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 FIA Formula One World Championship
2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Sunday, 19 March 2023
Fernando Alonso goes into the
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, March 19 looking to build on his first podium finish for Aston Martin in the opening race of the season.
The Spaniard replaced Sebastian Vettel for the 2023 campaign following the German's retirement at the end of 2022 and he put on a strong display on debut for his new team.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Suggested photo: Carlos Sainz of Ferrari
Alonso got off to a slow start after qualifying fifth on the grid but he steadily carved his way through the field and passed Ferrari's Carlos Sainz on lap 46 to take P3 - his first podium since the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.
The two-time former World Champion will be targeting a better performance for Aston Martin at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, having failed to finish in the points with Alpine in 2021 and 2022.
Team-mate Lance Stroll claimed P6 to place Aston Martin second in the World Constructors' Championship standings after round 1.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Alonso has warned there is more to come from the British car manufacturer, who basically overhauled the 2022 model and are making improvements all the time.
"I mean, there are a couple of areas that we have to improve that I will not share, but I think the most important point is that the new Aston Martin is just a new car, a new project," he said.
"This is just the beginning, this is not the final car, this is just the starting car of the concept we changed over the winter.
"Some of the top teams have just kept the same philosophy that they had last year, Red Bull and Ferrari mostly kept the same shapes, and just fine-tuned things and making perfection of that good baseline they had.
"For us, it was much more difficult. We had to change 95% of the car, so there is more to learn from the car and more to come on our side. [I have] full trust in our team, obviously they know what they are doing, so let's hopefully improve soon."
2023 Bahrain Grand Prix results:
Winner: Max Verstappen - Red Bull Racing
Second Place: Sergio Perez - Red Bull Racing
Third Place: Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
Betting on motorsport with Betway Zambia is fast-paced and exciting. With access to a huge selection of markets and odds, it won’t be long before you are betting at 100km/h. Click HERE to register a new account, and take advantage of our 50% first deposit offer up to K1,000 in Free Bets which you can use to bet on Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, or any other sport of your choice.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.