Alonso explains double tire change: "The track was 99 percent dry"

Fernando Alonso indicates that it was a deliberate choice to switch to the medium tires when it started raining in Monaco. According to the Aston Martin driver, the majority of the circuit was still dry when he came in for his tire change. Other drivers switched to intermediates at that time, which turned out to be the right decision. However, Alonso does not blame the strategy for not being able to win in Monte Carlo.

When Alonso was the first of the top two to come in, it was expected that the Spaniard would switch to intermediates. However, mediums were put on the Aston Martin car, and Alonso was not surprised by that decision. "For me, it was very clear that the circuit, in the lap we pitted, was completely dry, except for turns 7 and 8," the Aston Martin driver explained in the press conference. "It was completely dry, 99 percent of the circuit. So, I stopped for slicks. The weather forecast also mentioned a small shower."

Alonso: "That's why Verstappen won the race"

This choice ultimately cost Alonso the chance of a victory. Even without the rain, winning would have been impossible. "Honestly, I think we didn't stand a chance. I think we were brave with the strategy because it's not normal to be on the front row and choose the hard tire, trying to do the opposite of the leaders. And that shows the commitment of the team and how aggressive everyone was at Aston Martin, trying to go for the win."

According to Alonso, it was not the team's strategy that was to blame, but rather the speed compared to the Red Bull Racing car. "That was the only problem we had in the race." Verstappen also managed to surprise the man from Oviedo in another way. "The mediums performed surprisingly well. We were hoping for more degradation, but Max could drive fifty laps at a great pace, and that was the reason why he won the race," Alonso said.