Fernando Alonso has insisted the final version of his Aston Martin car will be almost unrecognisable from the one he is being tipped to challenge for a podium in at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Pre-season testing put the Astons high up in many pundits’ predictions for the first race of the Formula One season.
But Alonso, preparing to race for his sixth different F1 team at the age of 41, believes the car needs more development before it can make such an impact.
“I have no idea where are we in terms of a position but, I don't know, this car, the aim was to make a step forward, which I think we did,” he told reporters.
“It was very encouraging, the results from the test and the feeling from the car. But this is just the start. This car will change dramatically during the season. That's the plan.
“I heard from the team that two-thirds from this car will change during the season.
“So, you know, we want to have a good baseline, a good platform to develop the car during 2023 and maybe fight for something bigger next year. But step by step.”
