THE RETURN OF THE KING 👑

Welcome back to the Pitstop Podcast! FERNANDO ALONSO RETURNS.. to the podium for the first time in 2 years!! We are absolutely gassed to have F1 back on our screens🔥 In this episode we give our pre race predictions during the lead up to the race, and come back straight after with a full race review! Lets go people! New episodes everything Monday & Thursday
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# Formula One: The Return of the King

## Overview:

- The long-awaited first race of the 2023 Formula One season took place in Bahrain, marking the return of Fernando Alonso to Aston Martin and the start of Oscar Piastri's F1 career.
- Red Bull dominated the race, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing a 1-2 finish, while Alonso claimed an impressive podium finish in third place.
- McLaren had a disappointing race, with Lando Norris struggling with car issues and Oscar Piastri finishing outside the points.
- Pierre Gasly had a strong performance, starting from the back of the grid and finishing in ninth place, earning him praise as a potential candidate for Driver of the Day.
- Esteban Ocon faced misfortune with penalties that hindered his race, highlighting the challenges of applying penalties during a race.
- Lance Stroll, despite his ongoing wrist and toe injuries, had a solid race, showcasing the potential of the Aston Martin car.
- The discussion explored the implications of DRS activation rules, with potential changes being considered to enhance overtaking opportunities.
- Aston Martin's strong start to the season raised hopes for continued improvement and the possibility of Alonso winning a race this year.
- Valtteri Bottas secured an eighth-place finish for Alfa Romeo, while Alex Albon scored a point for Williams in tenth place, demonstrating his capabilities in a slower car.

## Key Insights:

- Red Bull's dominance poses a challenge for other teams, raising concerns about the competitiveness of the midfield.
- Fernando Alonso's podium finish highlights his enduring talent and Aston Martin's potential as a competitive force.
- McLaren's struggles serve as a reminder of the challenges of adapting to new regulations and the need for ongoing development.
- Pierre Gasly's performance underscores his talent and potential for a strong season.
- The discussion on DRS activation rules emphasizes the ongoing efforts to improve racing and create more exciting battles on the track.
- Aston Martin's strong start and Lance Stroll's resilience despite injuries provide optimism for the team's future prospects.
- Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon's performances demonstrate the potential for midfield teams to challenge for points and make an impact on the season. ## **The Pit Stop Podcast: Bahrain Grand Prix Review and Season Predictions**

### **Race Recap**

* The Bahrain Grand Prix marked the start of the 2023 Formula One season, with Max Verstappen securing the victory, followed by Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso.
* The race witnessed no safety car, with only a virtual safety car deployed due to Esteban Ocon's car being parked safely on the side.

### **Key Points**

* Aston Martin's impressive performance has sparked discussions about the possibility of Lando Norris joining the team if McLaren's struggles continue.
* The podcast hosts debate whether Lance Stroll or Fernando Alonso would be a more formidable opponent in a race, considering Alonso's vast experience and Stroll's improved driving skills.
* The hosts express curiosity about drivers' awareness of their competitors during races, especially when battling with unfamiliar drivers.
* The podcast highlights the importance of team dynamics and the impact of positive relationships between teammates, citing the example of Mick Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel's camaraderie last season.
* The hosts commend Logan Sargent for gaining four positions in his debut race and staying close to Alex Albon, who had a strong performance.
* Oscar Piastri's unfortunate retirement on the first lap due to a car issue is discussed, emphasizing the challenges he faces as a rookie and the pressure on McLaren to deliver results.
* The hosts speculate about the reasons behind Red Bull's continued success, attributing it to their ability to attract top talent, including Adrian Newey, who has played a significant role in their victories.
* The podcast explores the possibility of recruiting a top mechanic from Aston Martin or Alonso's team to gain insights into their car's performance.

### **Predictions for the Season**

* The hosts predict that Fernando Alonso is likely to secure a pole position on older tracks, given his exceptional skills on such circuits.
* Lance Stroll is expected to benefit from Alonso's presence as a teammate, gaining valuable advice and motivation.
* The podcast emphasizes the importance of Alonso's performance this season, as it will determine whether he has any excuses for underperforming.

### **Conclusion**

The podcast concludes with a reminder to rate and subscribe to the show, promising to return on Thursday for further discussions and predictions ahead of the next race in Saudi Arabia.