Lewis Hamilton snubbed as Johnny Herbert expresses his Fernando Alonso desire

02 March 2023 , 20:04

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Things are looking good for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin ahead of the Bahrain curtain-raiser (Image: PA)

Johnny Herbert and Billy Monger both agree that Fernando Alonso can challenge for a podium place at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

As is the case at the beginning of any new Formula 1 season, there is an air of mystery about what the balance of power on the grid might be. The only thing most people in the paddock agree on is that Red Bull look to again have the strongest car.

Another popular opinion is that Aston Martin could be a major factor this season. The Silverstone-based team has long talked a big game, but pre-season testing saw them show off excellent race pace and led to Aston Martin being labelled as dark horses in the early weeks of the campaign.

Speaking on the first episode of their new podcast Lift The Lid, Monger and Herbert made it clear they share a similar opinion. The latter gave his top three prediction: "I'm going to go Max, Charles and Carlos. I reckon the Ferraris might be able to do a double podium."

To which Monger replied: "I'm going to go a bit out there. Max to win because Red Bull look strong and I'm going to go for a Red Bull one-two. But my third place finisher I'm going Fernando Alonso. Aston Martin might nip in there."

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Herbert added: "You beat me to it. You're right, they surprised many people. Fernando, unfortunately over the course of his career, has made a few boo boos with his decision making when joining teams, and it hasn't quite worked out.

Aston Martin's AMR23 looked to be very quick in pre-season testing (Getty Images)

"This one doesn't seem to be a bad choice at the moment. It really does seem to be that they've got a car that can possibly challenge for that podium. I hope he does – it would be lovely to have another team mixing it with the top three. Aston look very good."

Neither of the hosts picked George Russell or Lewis Hamilton for a podium spot. Mercedes look as though they may start the new season off the pace again with Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin all fancied more than the Silver Arrows by many observers.

Alfa Romeo racer Valtteri Bottas even thinks his team might be able to match his former employers, telling reporters in Bahrain : "From the long runs, it seemed we could [match Mercedes]. There were some runs in which they were faster than us, but then there were times in which they were slower than us. It really depends if they managed to fix any issues that they potentially had."

Daniel Moxon