Fernando Alonso is keen to add a 33rd win to his Formula 1 career tally in 2023 having begun the season in fine style.
The two-time world champion has not tasted victory in F1 since 2013 when he was with Ferrari, but back-to-back podiums with his new Aston Martin team has reinvigorated himself and Spain’s love of the sport.
Recently, the world number one tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, hinted at the next win being around the corner following his own triumph at the Miami Open and Alonso is very keen to reach that milestone.
“It’s crazy to see how Spain is now so enthusiastic again for Formula 1,” Alonso told the media ahead of the Australian GP. “This is very nice to see.
“Hopefully they enjoyed these first two podiums and I think Barcelona is going to be a big thing again this year.
“This ’33’ seems to be a thing on social media. It was ‘El Plan’ two years ago then ‘The Mission’ and now ’33’.
“All the football clubs and tennis players seem to do something with 33, so hopefully we can reach that number in terms of wins.”
No time for reflection
Alonso secured his 100th podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after his post-race penalty was overturned to promote him back ahead of George Russell in the Mercedes.
It was a landmark achievement that only five other drivers have ever managed to reach in the history of the sport, but the Spaniard was not interested in focusing on it with another 21 races to go.
“It feels nice to reach that number, but when you are in the championship you are not really focusing on that,” Alonso added.
“You are just thinking about the next weekend as we did in Jeddah and here we are in Melbourne, and hopefully, we have a strong weekend again.”
