Fernando Alonso’s phenomenal first-lap stat shows he’s still driving like a ‘champion’

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Fernando Alonso’s brilliant opening lap stats show that he is still driving like a ‘champion’ despite Aston Martin’s struggles.

Heading into the 2026 campaign, many expected Aston Martin to challenge towards the front of the grid due to the arrival of Adrian Newey.

However, it has been a nightmare start to the Newey era, as the AMR26 is proving extremely problematic.

Both Alonso and Lance Stroll have had to deal with severe vibration problems that stemmed from the Honda power unit.

Even Aston Martin have had better reliability than McLaren this year. Are the world champions already out of contention for the constructors’ title?

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Fernando Alonso’s flying opening laps despite Aston Martin issues

Despite the ongoing problems, Alonso is still showing his qualities, with several stunning first laps in 2026.

For example, in Australia, having qualified 17th, Alonso was up to 10th by the time the first lap ended. At the time, Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle labelled Alonso’s start as ‘extraordinary’.

The Spaniard did the same in China, jumping from 18th to 9th before dropping back down to 10th.

Last weekend, Alonso moved from 19th to 15th during the first lap of the Canadian Grand Prix before having to retire due to a seat problem.

In comparison, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto failed to make up a single place during the opening lap in Melbourne, despite starting one place ahead of Alonso.

In China, Alonso started behind fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who managed to move from 17th to 12th on the first lap. Meanwhile, Stroll only went from 20th to 16th.

READ MORE: Fernando Alonso has privately been dealing with ‘chronic’ injury for ‘some time’

Pedro de la Rosa says Fernando Alonso is still driving like a ‘champion’

Speaking after the race in Canada, Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa praised Alonso, stating he drove like a ‘champion’.

He also highlighted Alonso’s ability to get the best out of a car that is clearly much slower than others.

As reported by Spanish news outlet Sport, De La Rosa said: “He overtakes cars and squeezes through gaps where there are none. 

“As always, he makes the most of a car that’s very limited in many aspects, and in these early corners, where top speed isn’t so important.

“And what really counts is cunning, warming up the tyres, and finding gaps that don’t exist, well, he does it like a champion.

“He starts 17th, begins to recover, doesn’t give up despite fighting against faster cars, and knows that if he overtakes them, they’ll overtake him again…

“You’re risking your neck because overtaking isn’t easy, but overtaking with a slower car is even more complicated.

“There’s nothing more to say. It’s truly amazing that with the current car and the limitations we have, Fernando is doing this.

“It’s true that both McLarens started on intermediate tyres, Carlos too, but it’s very impressive. He’s driving a car that’s 20 km/h slower on the straights.”