Fernando Alonso aims to take advantage of 'inconsistent' Max Verstappen at Monaco Grand Prix start
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Updated 28/05/2023 at 15:18 GMT
Aston Martin's veteran Spanish driver Fernando Alonso was denied his first pole position since 2012 by Red Bull's current world champion Max Verstappen at qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix. Alonso said after the session that he hoped to take advantage of Verstappen's inconsistent starts, as it will give him the best chance of victory.
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen
Image credit: Getty Images
Fernando Alonso is hoping for another “inconsistent” start at the Monaco Grand Prix from Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was the only driver quicker than Aston Martin’s Spanish veteran, who has not had a pole position of his own since 2012.
The current world champion and season leader will have an even bigger chance of securing a win on the Mediterranean given the difficulty of overtaking on the famous street circuit, meaning Alonso needs to take anything he is given when the lights turn green.
"I mean it's very short into Turn 1, but we have normally a good start this year," Alonso told Sky Sports.
"Max is a little bit inconsistent, so maybe it's one of those bad ones."
Alonso continued by saying that if he did not get early success, he would need extra help.
"Let's see what we can do in terms of strategy," he continued. "[Or] if there's any weather coming or something, but we will try to win.
"I think to win the race we will need some help from Max - maybe a lucky Safety Car, a bad pit stop from Red Bull, I know they are the best ones on the pit stops but maybe one race they can have a mistake.
"Those kind of things will give us an opportunity. On a normal race it will be very difficult.
"Someone told me that P2 in the last 10 years has more victories than pole positions, so let's see if we can keep that stat."
Verstappen spoke of his admiration for Alonso, saying: "I'd like to see Fernando win, but I'd also like to see myself win.
"It's a tough one, I'll think about it."
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