Eyeing out Alonso: F1 paddock reckons race wins are 'on the table' for Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin continue to dominate all the headlines after appearing on the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which opened the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The Spaniard, having switched to the British team from Alpine this year, showed that, at 41, he is still as cunning and competitive as when he entered the sport in 2001. And still maliciously quick.

This performance in the season's opening race prompted many insiders to believe that the two-time F1 champion could be on course for a victory this year.

"I think I mentioned it before, but at Aston Martin, I think they really have the spirit and drive. They want to win, and they've hired a lot of good people, so I guess it can only get better for them," said Red Bull's Max Verstappen, winner of the Bahrain race.

"I think for this year, it's difficult to say if they are going to challenge for the championship, but race wins are definitely on the table. Sometimes there are some tracks which really suit your car, and everything just comes together, and you can win a race, with maybe sometimes a bit of help or luck."

Stroll wants success

When Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll acquired Alonso's services, everyone wondered if this was another poor career choice on the driver's part. But few remembered that Aston Martin is on an intense upward trajectory.

Stroll expanded the workforce by signing several high-profile personalities, including technical director Dan Fallows, whom he poached from Red Bull Racing where he was head of aerodynamics.

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"Lawrence expected this kind of form last year and was angrily disappointed. He doesn't like losing, and I guess I wouldn't either if I had