Fernando Alonso predicts a ‘very fast Mercedes’ as Aston Martin aim to confirm pace

Fernando Alonso has predicted that Mercedes are likely to be “very fast” in 2021, as Aston Martin seek to affirm their speed in the upcoming season. The two-time Formula One world champion is set to return to the sport after a two-year break, partnering Lance Stroll at the newly-renamed Aston Martin team.

Alonso, who will be driving for his fourth different team in his 18th season, said that he is expecting Mercedes to be the ones to beat, having won the last seven drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

“The team that was dominating the last seven years is still there, and it’s still the same drivers and probably the same car,” Alonso told reporters. “So, it’s the same team, with a few changes in the regulations, and they look very competitive.”

He added: “It’s going to be very difficult to beat them, but I think we can try to be close and to fight for podiums and wins.”

The Spaniard is confident that the new regulations and the change of ownership of the team, formerly known as Racing Point, will help Aston Martin reassert their speed, saying: “I think we have the tools and the possibilities to confirm the pace that the team had last year.”

Alonso’s comments come as Aston Martin, which is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, look to build on their fourth-place finish in the constructors’ championship last year. The team have also signed four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel for 2021.

“Everyone is very motivated, and with the new regulations, the new team, and a new driver line-up, I think the expectations are high,” Alonso said.

The 39-year-old is set to embark on his first full season since 2018 and will be hoping to add to his 32 Grand Prix victories, with his last coming in 2013.

As the new Formula One season draws ever closer, Fernando Alonso has opined that Mercedes are likely to be “very fast,” whilst Aston Martin, now under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, seek to ratify their speed for 2021. The two-time world champion, who will be driving for his fourth different team in his 18th season, is confident that the new regulations and the change of ownership of the team, formerly known as Racing Point, will help Aston Martin reconfirm their velocity, stating: “I think we have the tools and the possibilities to confirm the pace that the team had last year.” Alonso, who will be partnering Lance Stroll this season, and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, further elucidated that it is going to be “very difficult to beat” Mercedes, who have won the last seven drivers’ and constructors’ championships, though he believes that they can fight “for podiums and wins.” As the new season approaches, expectations are high for Alonso and Aston Martin.