Behind the fight for the World Championship between three drivers (Norris, Verstappen and Piastri) who monopolize everything in this last grand prix of the F1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi, there is room for Saturday’s excellent time trial carried out by Fernando Alonso, sixth … with an Aston Martin which has not been up to par during the year. The Spanish driver was beaming from this position.
Abu Dhabi GP standings
“I saw it clearly, it’s totally unexpected, I didn’t think we were going to be so competitive. I also had a lot of doubtsthe slow corners that have been our problem all year. In free practice 2, the truth is that I didn’t feel the car very well, it had a lot of understeer and I didn’t feel good. We made a lot of changes last night and in free practice 3 the car behaved better,” he told Dazn.
The Asturian knows the limits of Aston Martin this season. “It’s totally unexpected to finish sixth, but we also know that we have a strong point in Saturday’s time trial. The time we spent was extraordinary.
Regarding this Sunday’s event, he thinks: “Tomorrow, in the race, we will suffer a little, but it is better to qualify a little later and see what happens. Let’s take it day by day. Happy Saturday, see you Sunday.
“The plan is to win, but I need a little luck in the race from behind”
Max Verstappen
Red Bull driver
Max Verstappen, author of the pole, does not tremble. He once again looks like a title winner. “Tomorrow we will find out what I can do. We will try to win, to score as many points as possible. The plan is to win, but I need a little luck in the race from behind.
Lando Norris can win the title, he just needs to finish on the podium. But his face and his mind are not those of a champion. “It’s hard. Max did a great job, I’m happy with the lap and I’m disappointed not to be on pole. We weren’t fast enough. When the time comes, I’ll think about the title. I am disappointed by the second and I want to win the race.”
Memories of Sainz
The third in the running, Oscar Piastri, seems clearer in his thoughts: “I haven’t left much for the last lap, although it leaves us with an exciting day of racing. Tomorrow we’ll see if we can handle Max. It’s still fast and we’ll see if the pace is worth it. It happens that even if I win, the title does not depend on me«.
Carlos Sainz ends the year with good feelings. Two podiums and a lot of positive energy. “I am very happy to my move to Williams. I remember arriving at the circuit without sponsors and with a white helmet and people felt sorry for me. This team is going to be good for my future. A year later, there are three podiums (two in fact, because the sprint ones do not count as such).