Fernando Alonso was awarded the title of “driver of the day” after the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first Grand Prix of the new Formula 1 season. The Iberian veteran was praised by Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion.

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Verstappen says Alonso could win races in 2023 if he’s lucky

Aston Martin was a pleasant surprise at the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Fernando Alonso (who turns 42 on July 29) finished on the podium (third place) at the Sahir circuit after a Grand Prix in which he was ahead of George Russell (Mercedes), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Carlos Sainz Jr (Scuderia Ferrari). ).

The single-seater Aston Martin looked very good in Bahrain and Alonso ran the show in the first race of 2023.

Bahrain winner Max Verstappen (champion of the last two races and a big favorite in 2023) spoke about the spectacular race that Alonso put on.

“I hope that Fernando will fight for the top places, he had a few years where there was no real opportunity for him to be at the front. I’m glad to see him on the podium in the first race” – Max Verstappenquoted by Sky Sports.

“I’ve said it before, Aston Martin has the right team spirit and unity and they’ve also hired a lot of good people. I think it can only be a very good thing for them.

It’s hard to say whether they’ll challenge for stage wins, but they’re definitely at the forefront.

I was in the same position where I finished 20-40 seconds off the winner, but you can still win two or three races a year because there are some tracks that suit your car. With a little luck, anything can happen.

Aston Martin certainly has a very good single-seater (strong package) and now it will also be very important how the car develops during the season,” he concluded Verstappen.

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Formula 1, rating of pilots

1 Max Verstappen – RedBull 25 points

2 Sergio Perez – RedBull 18

3 Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin 15

4 Carlos Sainz – Ferrari 12

5 Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes 10

6 Lance Stroll – Aston Martin 8

7 George Russell – Mercedes 6

8 Valtteri Bottas – Alfa Romeo 4

9 Pierre Gasly – Alpine 2

10 Alexander Albon – Williams 1

Formula 1 season calendar for 2023

March 5: Bahrain – victory for Max Verstappen

March 19: Saudi Arabia / Jeddah

April 2: Australia / Melbourne

April 16: China / Shanghai

April 30: Azerbaijan / Baku

May 7: Miami

May 21: Emilia-Romagna / Imola

May 28: Monaco

June 4: Spain / Barcelona

June 18: Canada / Montreal

July 2: Austria / Spielberg

July 9: Great Britain / Silverstone

July 23: Hungary / Budapest

July 30: Belgium / Spa-Francorchamps

August 27: Netherlands / Zandvoort

September 3: Italy / Monza

September 17: Singapore / Marina Bay

September 24: Japan / Suzuka

October 8: Qatar / Losail

October 22: USA / Austin

October 29: Mexico / Mexico City

November 5: Brazil / Sao Paulo

November 18: Las Vegas

November 26: Abu Dhabi / Yas Marina.