Formula 1 loves America and America loves Formula 1, it’s no secret. Let us remember that the highest category of motorsports has awarded a total of 3 races to the North American country during the 2023 season.
The first will be the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend, later, the nineteenth race of the season will be the United States Grand Prix, which will take place in Austin, Texas, at the famous Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Finally, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the twenty-second round of the season.
While the drivers and teams prepare to start the activity on the track tomorrow with the first free practice sessions, Miami is starting to feel all the racing vibes that Formula 1 brings with it.
Photo credit: Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team
The drivers come from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was won by Sergio Perez. It was a long trip, but the drivers have to quickly adjust to the conditions and American time.
For his part, Fernando Alonso is excited to start this Grand Prix so anticipated by all those sports fans. The Asturian driver is on a very good run, as he has always finished in the top 4 in the 4 races that have already been held (three P3 and just one P4). That is why, with good reason, the Aston Martin driver is in third position in the drivers’ championship with a total of 60 points, only being surpassed by both Red Bull drivers.
For its part, the British team is second in the constructors’ championship with 87 points, closely followed by Mercedes and Ferrari, while Red Bull leads the championship with a difference of just under 100 points.
As we can read, Red Bull seems to have dominated both championships, Sergio Perez being the only rival that Max Verstappen has in order to win his third championship. Fernando Alonso comments that it is very likely that Red Bull will continue to dominate for a few more years.
“This is Formula 1, so it has been always like this. It was 7 years of Hamilton and Bottas [being the] fastest. In the past, [Sebastian] Vettel and [Mark] Webber. So, if you have the fastest car, you can start a little bit behind […], and if you’re in any other car, as I said, we are all within one tenth,” the Asturian affirmed.
“We could see some rain on Sunday, so things may change.”
Photo credit: Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team
One of the problems that we thought had been fixed was the fact that it was very difficult for the drivers to follow the car in front of them. In 2022, Formula 1 had a change in technical regulations on cars, which was going to be very beneficial for this problem. Initially there were good impressions, however, the problem has gradually worsened over time.
“There were high expectations on following cars and maybe having the grid a little bit closer together but, I don’t know. I think we need to give a little bit more time,” the Spaniard driver stated.
“If we didn’t have the Red Bull that much ahead, I think it’d be very interesting to fight with 3 or 4 teams within 1 or 2 tenths.”
