Fernando Alonso stated that the rainy conditions during the Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying made it difficult to take risks. The Formula 1 race returned to the calendar after a five-year absence, and the decision was made to introduce the new sprint format for the Shanghai event. The wet weather during the session posed a challenge for drivers, and Alonso admitted that he felt nervous throughout the session.
Alonso expressed that Sprint Qualifying was particularly stressful for both himself and Aston Martin. The Spanish driver noted that the threat of rain was constant from the beginning of the session. However, it was only in the final session of the day when rain finally fell on the track, resulting in a dramatic conclusion to the session.
According to Alonso, the car’s performance varied with each lap. The tires seemed to improve as the session progressed, but as more rain fell on the circuit, the track conditions worsened for the two-time world champion. Alonso acknowledged that it was difficult to take risks due to the limited grip available.
For the sprint race, Fernando Alonso will start from the third position on the grid. This presents an opportunity for the Spanish driver to score valuable points for Aston Martin before the Grand Prix Qualifying. Both Alonso and the AMR24 have shown promise this season.
Alonso mentioned that the Silverstone-based team was uncertain about its position in the pecking order this weekend. However, the sprint race on Saturday will provide clarity as drivers compete head-to-head. The 42-year-old emphasized that the sprint weekend allows for a significant number of racing laps, and he aims for a strong result in Qualifying to secure a respectable finish in Sunday’s race.
It appears that Fernando Alonso could have a successful weekend in Shanghai. The two-time world champion has demonstrated sufficient pace to potentially secure a podium finish at the Chinese GP. However, his performance in the sprint race on Saturday morning will be intriguing to observe.