Alonso: Lance is my Hero - 2023 Bahrain GP Review

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin & Lance Stroll - what a story they wrote in the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix. Will this love story continue to entertain throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season? 

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru and Kunal review all the headlines, stories and narratives from the season-opening race.

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 9)

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Season 2023, Episode 9 - Bahrain Grand Prix Review

## Hosts:

* Somal Arora
* Sundaram - @f1statsguru
* Kunal Shah - Former Marketing Head, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team

## Key Points:

### Fernando Alonso's Triumphant Return:

* Alonso's impressive third-place finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix marks a significant turnaround after a decade of setbacks.
* His performance has generated immense excitement among fans and media, revitalizing Formula One with a compelling storyline.
* Alonso's positivity and enthusiasm have permeated the paddock, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

### Aston Martin's Strong Start:

* Aston Martin's performance in Bahrain showcased their competitiveness, challenging Red Bull and Ferrari.
* Lance Stroll's sixth-place finish, despite a broken wrist, highlights his determination and the car's potential.
* The team's focus on in-season development raises hopes for sustained competitiveness throughout the season.

### Mercedes' Struggles and Concept Dilemma:

* Mercedes' disappointing start to the season has prompted Toto Wolff to acknowledge the need for a concept change.
* The team faces the challenge of developing a new car concept within budget and time constraints.
* The upcoming races will reveal whether Mercedes can address their issues and remain competitive.

### Ferrari's Reliability Concerns:

* Ferrari's engine failure with Charles Leclerc's car underscores their ongoing reliability issues.
* The team's new philosophy under Fred Vasseur remains untested due to these problems.
* The team's ability to resolve these issues will determine their chances of challenging Red Bull and Aston Martin.

### Red Bull's Dominance and Strategy:

* Red Bull's one-two finish in Bahrain demonstrated their圧倒的な優位性.
* The team's aggressive strategy, including double stints on soft tires, showcased their car's efficiency and tire management.
* The extent of Red Bull's true pace remains unknown, leaving room for intrigue in upcoming races.

### Midfield Contenders:

* Alfa Romeo's strategic prowess, exemplified by Valtteri Bottas' points finish, highlights their potential for midfield success.
* Alpine's Pierre Gasly displayed impressive recovery skills, rising from P20 to P9.
* McLaren's struggles, including Lando Norris' six pit stops, underscore their need for improvement.

### Esteban Ocon's Penalties:

* Ocon's unfortunate penalties in Bahrain, including one for not serving a penalty correctly, marred his race.
* Alpine's chaotic race exposed their operational challenges, requiring swift rectification.

### Williams' Encouraging Start:

* Williams' improved performance, with Alex Salbon scoring a point, offers optimism for the team's progress.
* Logan Sargent's impressive debut, matching Lando Norris in qualifying and finishing P12, bodes well for his rookie season.

### Podium Age Diversity:

* The Bahrain GP podium featured drivers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, a rare occurrence in Formula One.
* This diversity reflects the changing landscape of the sport and adds intrigue to the upcoming races.