Alonso Cautious Despite Strong Friday at Zandvoort: “Not Within Our Reach to Fight McLarens”

Fernando Alonso has tempered expectations after a strong showing in Friday practice at the Dutch Grand Prix, insisting that Aston Martin is still not in a position to challenge McLaren for pole position.

The two-time world champion ended Free Practice 2 just 0.087s adrift of pacesetter Lando Norris, having earlier set the fourth-fastest time in FP1. The performance reflects Aston Martin’s recent upturn in form, with both drivers qualifying on the back row in Belgium before recovering to secure fifth and seventh in Hungary.

Asked if he was optimistic of another strong result this weekend, Alonso replied: “I do. For sure a little bit more optimistic than some of the other Fridays we did. Hungary was strong for us, we go into the following race at Zandvoort and we’re still showing some good pace in free practice. We know it’s only free practice but it’s good to see our times up there and let’s see what we can do tomorrow.”

Despite his pace, Alonso was quick to dismiss suggestions that he could challenge Norris and Oscar Piastri for pole: “No, not really. I don’t think it’s within our reach to fight with the McLarens but maybe some of the top teams, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, they seem not too far away so we will try to be in that mix.”

Teammate Lance Stroll also showed flashes of speed, finishing third in FP1, but his day ended prematurely with a heavy crash at Turn 3 in FP2. The Canadian lost the car on entry to the banked corner, sliding into the barriers and causing significant damage to the right-hand side of his AMR25.

“Just a little lock-up and from there I was just a passenger. Just one of those things,” said Stroll afterwards. “For sure, we looked competitive throughout the day and again Fernando in FP2. I think we’re in a good spot and see what we can do tomorrow.”

With Aston Martin encouraged by their Friday pace but realistic about the gap to McLaren, the team will now focus on consolidating their position in the fight with Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull for best-of-the-rest honours in qualifying and the race.

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