In a gripping lead-up to the Dutch Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has expressed that challenging the McLaren team for pole position may be beyond his reach, despite an impressive performance in Friday practice. Alonso finished second fastest in Free Practice 2 at Zandvoort, clocking a time just 0.087 seconds behind the session leader, Lando Norris.
This strong showing signifies a significant turnaround for Aston Martin, especially following their disappointing performances in previous races. Just weeks ago, both Alonso and his teammate Lance Stroll found themselves at the back of the grid during the Belgian Grand Prix. However, in Hungary, they showcased their potential by securing third row positions, ultimately achieving their best results of the season with Alonso finishing fifth and Stroll in seventh.
When asked about his outlook for the weekend, Alonso conveyed a sense of optimism. "I do," he affirmed, indicating that he feels more positive about this race compared to previous Fridays. "Hungary was strong for us, and we come to Zandvoort showing good pace in free practice. While we know it’s only practice, it’s encouraging to see our times up there. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow," he added.
Despite the encouraging signs, Alonso was cautious about his chances against the McLaren duo, who have consistently dominated the season. "No, not really," he stated when asked if he could vie for pole against Norris and championship leader Oscar Piastri. "I don't think it's within our reach to fight with the McLarens, but maybe we can compete with some of the top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. They don't seem too far away, so we will aim to be in that mix."
Alonso’s teammate, Lance Stroll, had a turbulent day at Zandvoort. He registered the third quickest time in Free Practice 1 but later suffered a heavy crash during Free Practice 2 at the banked Turn 3. Although he reported that he was uninjured over the radio, his AMR25 sustained significant damage to the right side. "Just a little lock-up and from there I was just a passenger. Just one of those things," Stroll commented on the incident. He remained optimistic, noting the team’s competitiveness throughout the day and highlighting Alonso’s performance in FP2.
As the teams prepare for qualifying, both Alonso and Stroll will look to build on their practice performances. With Aston Martin showing signs of recovery and competitiveness, fans are eager to see how they will stack up against the top teams in the upcoming sessions of the Dutch Grand Prix.
