Fernando Alonso Names 2023 Monaco Grand Prix as Best Race Since F1 Comeback
In a recent appearance on Formula 1’s Beyond The Grid podcast, brought to you by Salesforce, a Global Partner of Formula 1, Fernando Alonso revealed that the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix was his most impressive performance since returning to the sport in 2021. The two-time world champion, who currently drives for Aston Martin, has secured nine podiums since his comeback, including three second-place finishes in his maiden campaign with the British squad.
During the podcast, Alonso reflected on his experience at Monaco, acknowledging that it was the most preparation he had put into a single race throughout his entire career. The Spaniard had a clear goal in mind – to win the iconic Grand Prix – and meticulously prepared for the event, studying every bump of the circuit, analyzing data from previous years, and watching past races.
“I would say Monaco 2023, because I think we started the season in ’23 and we saw our car strengths were the slow-speed corners, traction, braking,” Alonso explained. “Since Bahrain or Jeddah, I said to the team, ‘Don’t touch the car too much until Monaco. Whatever upgrades are coming, let’s try to wait for after Monaco. I don’t want to change the characteristics and the DNA of this car until we race in Monaco.'”
Alonso’s hard work paid off, as he claimed a second-place finish in the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, despite the Aston Martin not being the perfect machine. The Spanish driver came close to winning, but ultimately finished 20 milliseconds behind pole position thanks to Max Verstappen’s incredible last sector.
“I think that was a lot of hard work to get close to a race win, so I say Monaco because I like that level of preparation and that level of performance, even when the car was not at that level,” Alonso stated.
When asked if this marked the most preparation he had put into a single race during his career, Alonso conceded, “I think so, yeah.”
The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix was a standout performance for Alonso, who has been seeking his 33rd career victory since his last win in 2013. Despite not securing the top spot, Alonso’s monumental effort in preparation and performance made the race a highlight of his Formula 1 comeback.
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