The current Formula One championship is proving to be particularly interesting for Spanish Formula 1 fans. The Iberian country has returned to a new golden age, with two drivers competing every Sunday for the top spots that matter the most.
While Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz have been performing together in the sport for several seasons now, until now there was no season in which both could have the opportunity of consistently fighting for the very top positions on the track. However, this year, the passionate Spanish audience has already enjoyed several battles between them. The first was in Bahrain, when the Ferrari driver unsuccessfully tried to defend the third step of the podium from the attack of the experienced Aston Martin man, and the second was in the most recent Formula 1 Grand Prix, in Australia at the Albert Park circuit.
2-0 Alonso
In Melbourne, however, the duel became too intense, with Carlos Sainz forcing the braking in turn 1 during the last restart and ending up colliding with Fernando Alonso. However, in this case, the former Ferrari driver was the one who smiled at the end, as he was able to keep the third place on the podium thanks to the final red flag, while the Ferrari #55 was penalized, slipping even outside the points zone. While the Maranello team attempted to overturn the penalty decision, the stewards decided there was no new and clear evidence to further discuss the matter.
This shows the negative moment of Carlos Sainz and, in general, of Ferrari, as opposed to an Aston Martin, which has instead confirmed its role as a new power of the sport, capable of challenging giants like Mercedes and the Italian side on an equal footing on the track.
Aston Martin revelation
The performances provided by AMR23 and SF-23 at the beginning of the 2023 Formula One season suggest that the two teams will fight throughout the year for podium positions or immediately behind it, further fueling the rivalry between Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. For once, however, the two-time champion seems to have the better car. It is no coincidence that Aston Martin is also considering – albeit quietly – a possible victory, perhaps taking advantage of a favorable track like Monaco and some potential slip-ups by Red Bull. In Ferrari, however, these discussions seem premature.
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Carlos Sainz’s admission
Carlos Sainz himself agreed with this interpretation when asked by the Spanish TV broadcaster Antena 3 Deportes, admitting that his childhood idol is more likely to win a race in 2023 than he is. “I think Alonso’s 33rd victory will come before my second,” said the Ferrari driver, who achieved his only Formula 1 victory last year at Silverstone, in the British Grand Prix.
“Aston Martin is superior to Ferrari in race setup, so he is closer to victory.” – added Carlos Sainz, who has repeatedly recalled rooting for Fernando Alonso as a child and has now urged Spanish fans to support his compatriot’s attempt to end a decade-long drought of victories in Formula 1. “If I were at home watching F1, I would cheer for Fernando’s victory,” he concluded.
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