The Miami Dolphins jersey has welcomed Formula 1 drivers to Miami for this weekend’s grand prix. (Beautiful pictures)
MIAMI — With Formula 1 drivers going head-to-head in Miami grand openingThe Florida Panthers make a surprise Stanley Cup playoff and the Miami Heat take on the New York Knicks in the NBA – there’s no shortage of sports rumors this week in South Florida.
But sports fans may have to look to the Panthers and Heat for real excitement, warning by Aston Martin double world champion Fernando Alonsowith the Miami Grand Prix conceived as another one Red Bull victory parade.
“Probably not too many surprises,” Alonso told reporters on Thursday. “If you have the fastest caryou can start a little slower and still be able to make some moves and passes.
“If you are anywhere else carlike I said, we’re all in 1/10 so no matter where you qualify you’re more or less secure in that position and not much of an advance after round two or three.
Again in their own league, Red Bull has won every Grand Prix this season, with three of the four races finishing one-to-two.
While Miami can offer as much Monaco as pizzazz, the action on the track can also be similar to Monte Carworry with the quarter little excess.
Double World Champion Max Verstappen (93) lead Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (87) in the drivers’ standings and Alonso is resurgent in third with 60 points.
Weather could rock the deck, with scorching temperatures forecast for qualifying on Saturday, followed by rain on Sunday.
Other trump card Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll may be worried about tire deterioration, something Aston Martins have mastered and could be a major factor in the weekend heat.
“That will probably be our strength car so hopefully we can use it on sunday if not much safety cars or not rain or something,” said Alonso.
“We could see some rain forecast on Sunday so things could change but not seeing a lot of overtaking is the nature of Formula 1 so no surprise.”
Alonso downplayed Aston Martin’s chances of a surprise in South Beach but warned other teams not to underestimate them as they have most of the season,
“Yes, they do every weekend,” smiled the 41-year-old Spaniard. “I don’t know for us, it’s just a gift that we’re at.
“We didn’t expect in this position so we just calmly race every Sunday with no pressure. We are growing as a team.
“We’re in a position we didn’t expect at a very fast pace car.”
