P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alonso: 19 drivers already know they won’t win 2024 F1 title
Fernando Alonso believes the new AMR24 car is an improvement over last year’s model, but he is cautious about predicting a repeat of the team’s strong start in 2023 due to advances made by rival teams during the winter. He thinks Red Bull, with the extensive changes on the RB20, featuring new elements like engine cover canons and sidepod intakes, will be a formidable challenger, especially with Max Verstappen as the lead driver. Alonso suggests that Verstappen is already a favorite for the 2024 drivers’ title, seemingly discounting the chances of his teammate Sergio Perez. Despite the positive results in his pre-season fitness tests, Alonso acknowledges that performance in Formula 1 is unpredictable, as demonstrated by his challenging years at McLaren. He emphasizes the dominance of Red Bull and the complexities of the sport, indicating that winning races this year may be challenging for all except Red Bull. Alonso also mentions that it’s difficult to assess whether Aston Martin has a race-winning car, hinting at the elevated competition level in the upcoming season.
