Ex-Formula 1 driver David Kennedy believes Fernando Alonso will win a race this season, something which will give Aston Martin a huge advantage going forwards.
Alonso has been sensational since making the switch from Alpine to Aston Martin, with the Spaniard having already claimed five podiums from the opening seven races of the 2023 season.
He’s shown great pace and consistency all year so far, to the extent where he currently finds himself third in the Drivers’ Championship.
With Alonso in the team, Aston Martin are certainly on the rise, ahead of their switch to Honda power units in 2026.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
It was recently announced that the Silverstone-based team will be ditching Mercedes for a works deal with Honda, when the new engine regulations are introduced.
What this’ll mean for Alonso is still an unknown, given that he’s only contracted until the end of 2024.
Even if he ends up staying until 2026, Kennedy doesn’t think it’s enough time for Alonso to claim a third world title.
“No, not on that timescale,” Kennedy told PlanetF1.com.
Whilst the Irishman doesn’t think a title is on the cards, he’s certain that a 33rd career victory is.
Alonso hasn’t won a race since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix; however, he is looking increasingly likely to end his winless streak.
The 41-year-old certainly has the pace this season, the only issue is defeating Red Bull.
Despite this, Kennedy expects the Spaniard to claim win number 33 before the end of this year, with that being the only thing stopping Aston Martin from getting “who they want” to replace Lance Stroll.
“This season. They’ve got the car for it,” Kennedy said, when asked if Aston Martin and Alonso can claim a victory this year.
“He just knows all the tricks. I think when he puts it on pole and wins a race, then they have the calling card to go down the pit lane, or up the pit lane, to get who they want to join him.
“He’s got a tremendous contribution to the team in where they are. If it could be a regular winner, they will need someone to make that difference like [Max Verstappen did] in Monaco.”
Whilst Sebastian Vettel was an excellent driver, Alonso has taken Aston Martin to the next level, with him having a desire to push that the German seemingly didn’t have.
Alonso doesn’t look like a driver approaching retirement, something which presumably is still several years away based on his current form.
READ: Mercedes warn Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ahead of 2023 Canadian GP
Kennedy thinks Alonso is the “right man” for everybody involved with the British team, due to how much he brings “to the table”.
“He’s probably the right man at the right time for the team, the team owner, and for his teammate, to be able to bring so much to the table,” Kennedy said.
“He’s older and wiser now, been through the mill with many machinations with F1 teams and managers.”