Fernando Alonso delivered a standout performance, finishing 11th at the Suzuka Grand Prix.
- Despite not scoring points, Alonso considers his finish a ‘small miracle’ given the Aston Martin’s struggles.
- Alonso highlighted the car’s lack of speed and grip, making overtaking nearly impossible on the famous Japanese circuit.
- The stagnant race at Suzuka ended with similar positions to qualifying, underscoring Alonso’s belief in the circuit’s challenging nature.
- Alonso took pride in maximizing the potential of his AMR25, even without a memorable finish.
Fernando Alonso’s race at the Suzuka Grand Prix was nothing short of impressive, despite ending just outside the points in 11th place. The Formula 1 veteran described his finish as a ‘small miracle,’ attributing his performance to a combination of skill and the limitations of his Aston Martin. After qualifying 13th, Alonso maneuvered his way up the grid, only to finish a mere three seconds behind Haas’ Oliver Bearman.
Aston Martin’s struggles this season were evident again in Japan, as the team failed to add to their 10 points from earlier races. This race was the first of the season that Alonso finished after facing retirements in Australia and China. Yet, he returned from Suzuka without points, expressing his dissatisfaction and pointing out the car’s shortcomings. “Truth is, we’re not fast enough to be in the top ten. And I guess we’re not even fast enough to be in the top eighteen,” Alonso candidly remarked.
Throughout the race, Alonso battled with a car that felt ‘pretty average,’ lacking the grip needed to challenge for higher positions. His strategic move to change tires aimed at covering Yuki Tsunoda’s position helped him maintain P11, though he acknowledged that without that pit stop, he risked dropping further back due to Aston Martin’s lack of speed on the straights. It was a ‘spiral that was difficult to get out of,’ he lamented.
Even with the race’s forgettable outcome, Alonso found solace in his personal achievement of extracting maximum performance from the AMR25. “It’s been a totally anonymous race,” he reflected, confident that his efforts were noteworthy despite the lack of recognition. The stagnant 53-lap race at Suzuka remained consistent with the circuit’s reputation for minimal overtaking, a fact Alonso acknowledged when comparing it to Monaco’s notorious racing conditions.
Alonso’s admiration for Suzuka remained unchanged, describing it as one of the best circuits despite the challenges it poses on race day. His insights into the circuit’s nature underscore the adrenaline and unique experience it offers, even if races like the one in Japan do not yield overtaking opportunities. He suggests that future regulations might alter this characteristic, yet the charm of places like Suzuka and Monaco lies in their demanding nature.
Even with a less-than-ideal finish, Fernando Alonso’s performance at Suzuka showcased his resilience and mastery on the track.
