Fernando Alonso gives his theory behind Aston Martin’s spectacular result at the F1 Bahrain GP

Fernando Alonso believes the Sepang circuit suited the Aston Martin car and allowed the team to execute a stronger weekend. Speaking to Vision F1 after the Bahrain GP in Sepang, the Spanish driver felt that both cars were able to perform better throughout the weekend, from qualifying through to the race.

Having raced at Sepang since his Formula 1 debut in 2001, the two-time world champion secured an eighth-place finish at the 20th race hosted at the Malaysian venue. On Saturday, both Aston Martin cars made it through to Q2, which has been a rare occurrence during the 2026 season as the team has struggled with its Honda power unit and chassis.

Aston Martin introduced several upgrades in Hungary, which helped the team move beyond its position as a backmarker. However, Alonso felt that the circuit characteristics, rather than the car itself, played a bigger role in their points-scoring result. He hopes the Aston Martin will also suit the Singapore circuit and allow the team to deliver another strong weekend.

Asked by VisionF1 if it was the track that suited them or the car that had helped them get a points finish, Fernando Alonso replied:

“I think it is a track. I think we’ve been more competitive this weekend. In general, both cars, you know, in Q2 and today fighting on the midfield territory. So yeah, overall it was a better weekend. Let’s see if we can keep up this pace, especially in Singapore, where, you know, we have some hopes next weekend and then there are some other weeks that, you know, we are very competitive and we have to accept it.”

A mix of rainy, damp and dry conditions opened the door to multiple tyre strategies. However, a majority of the drivers misjudged the conditions and started on slick tyres. With three retirements and two safety car periods, there were several opportunities to recover from a poor tyre strategy.

With the circuit suiting their car, Alonso also highlighted the importance of capitalising on opportunities and executing the race well. Lamenting the decision to start on slick tyres despite the damp conditions, the 45-year-old driver felt that, despite the gamble, the safety car ultimately changed the outcome of the race.

Further speaking about the tire strategy and safety car period, Alonso said:

“So, you know, in the weekend that we can score points, the important thing is to execute well the race. Today, obviously, we started with the slicks, so we put ourselves in some difficulties there. But at the end, it was okay after the safety car, we had a new race coming.”

Fernando Alonso believes the complicated start to the Bahrain GP in Malaysia needs an explanation

Fernando Alonso felt that the delayed start and the issues experienced by several cars in the rain needed an explanation. The Bahrain GP start was delayed by an hour after an untimely tropical downpour hit the circuit minutes before the starting procedure. When the race was eventually set to begin, race control sent the field out for two formation laps behind the safety car before assessing whether conditions were safe enough to race. Multiple cars then stopped during the formation laps due to software issues.

The delayed start also denied drivers the opportunity to experience a wet race with the 2026 cars. Thunder and lightning further complicated the situation, adding to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the race start. The handling of the delay and the subsequent issues drew criticism from the public, while the FIA later explained that the circuit characteristics and heavy rain had contributed to power unit and software malfunctions.

Alonso believes the situation warrants a clearer explanation and expressed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to race in wet conditions with the new-generation cars.

Asked if it was highly unusual to have a scenario unfold like the one at the start, Fernando Alonso said:

“I think it has to be explained, but, you know, from our side. We try to do our job, try to keep the car running, and then, yeah, probably the rain was very much appreciated, you know, in terms of opportunities for us.”

Speaking about the rainy conditions and restart, he added:

“We even started with slicks [tires] because we felt that the rain was not anymore there. So, yeah, it took quite a long, you know, to restart the race, but I’m sure there is an explanation. We just need to hit it.”

Fernando Alonso has been the sole points scorer for Aston Martin, who now have a total of seven points. The 2026 season has been a difficult season with new power unit regulations and a new engine supplier. The double world champion announced his contract extension prior to the race in Malaysia, reinstating his intent and commitment to continue racing for Aston Martin and in Formula 1.