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Is Alonso still good enough for third world title? Herbert thinks so!
- Corwin Kunst
Fernando Alonso made the move to Aston Martin with one goal: to become world champion. For a while last year, it looked like the British racing stable might actually (eventually) fight with Red Bull Racing, but in 2024, everything will be different. Aston Martin often drives a bit in no man's land, slower than the top teams and a fair bit faster than the rearguard.
Johny Herbert - former Formula One driver and present at some Grands Prix as race steward - thinks Alonso still has it in him to actually compete with guys like Max Verstappen for his third world title. "He already has the talent to win the World Championship, but can Aston Martin give him what he wants? A year ago they started the season with podium finishes, very strong. Fernando was always very happy, but now everything has become a bit more difficult. He usually gets eighth, but that's not what he wants."
Can Aston Martin make another leap?
In April, the 42-year-old Spaniard extended his contract at Aston Martin until 2026. Herbert does not rule out another world title for Alonso during that period. "They [Aston Martin] can develop the car to compete at the front, we have seen that this season with McLaren and Mercedes." Moreover, in 2026, a new set of regulations will come into force in motorsport's premier class, which will redefine the pecking order.
Still, Herbert told AS that the lack of results will take its toll: "Seeing Lewis (Hamilton), Max (Verstappen), Oscar (Piastri), George (Russell) and Lando (Norris) doing well will frustrate him personally. Not having a winning car will frustrate him because that is the way he works. He only works for one thing and that is to win races. But if they give Fernando that car, he will definitely get the job done [win the world championship]," the former F1 driver concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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