In a stunning twist at the Italian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has emerged as the unexpected hero of qualifying, starting from a surprising eighth position on the grid. Despite the glimmer of hope, the veteran driver is bracing himself for a challenging race ahead, expressing a stark reality: he anticipates “suffering” during the event. With Lewis Hamilton’s five-place grid penalty taken into account, Alonso’s performance has raised eyebrows, suggesting he has squeezed every ounce of potential from his Aston Martin, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.
Alonso had come into the weekend with a cautious mindset, fully aware of the uphill battle his team faced on the high-speed Monza circuit. While his teammate Lance Stroll found himself floundering in 17th place, Alonso defied expectations by reaching Q3, showcasing his skill and tenacity. Reflecting on his performance, Alonso stated, “The truth is that it was better than expected. We thought we would be out in Q1.” His words resonate with the grit and determination that has defined his illustrious career.
The Spaniard’s journey through qualifying was marked by strategic tire management, a gamble that paid off when he noted, “We put three sets of tyres on in Q1 because we thought we wouldn’t need any more.” The thrill of progress was palpable as he advanced through the sessions, culminating in what he described as a “bit of a surprise” start position. However, the excitement is tempered by a sobering realization about his car’s limitations. “But anyway, we’ll take it. The race is tomorrow anyway. I think we’ll suffer because we’re the slowest on the straights, and tomorrow will be a big handicap,” he lamented, highlighting the high drag of the AMR25 that will hinder his performance on Monza’s long straights.
Alonso candidly compared his current situation to his past experiences with Alpine, recalling, “With Alpine, we thought we had the worst car.” His self-awareness shines through as he admits the team’s struggles with straight-line speed, a crucial factor at Monza. The lack of preparation for this atypical race has left him feeling somewhat unprepared, as he noted, “We don’t have less wing, nor did we prepare very well for this race.” Given the unique demands of the Italian circuit, the team’s decision to hold back on upgrades has left them in a precarious position.
As he gears up for the race, Alonso’s lack of confidence is evident. He openly admitted, “I understand that I’m starting very far back, in eighth place, so I’ll be falling back, I suppose, little by little during the race.” The 44-year-old has seen it all in his storied career, and even a repeat of his 11th-place finish from the previous year would be a minor victory in his eyes.
Looking ahead, Alonso remains cautiously optimistic but realistic about the race strategy. “Historically it has been one stop because the pit loss here is huge, so let’s see,” he said, reflecting on the intricate balance of strategy and pacing. The true test awaits him as he ponders whether his car will deliver the pace seen in qualifying or revert to the struggles of practice. “That will only be known around lap 10, lap 12,” he concluded, leaving fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats for what promises to be a riveting race day at Monza.
