Alonso Makes Prediction for 2024 Formula 1 Season After Verstappen Set's Record Lap Time in Bahrain

• The commencement of the 2024 Formula 1 season is on the horizon
• Pre-season testing is on the way at the Bahrain International circuit
• Fernando Alonso has made a surprise prediction for the 2024 season

The countdown to the first Grand Prix of the 2024 Formula 1 season is well underway, with pre-season testing in its final stages at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Teams and drivers are adjusting to their new cars, and predictions are swirling as lap times are being recorded ahead of the new season.

Despite the various innovations teams have implemented, no driver has matched the staggering lap times set by Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.

During the opening day of pre-season testing, the three-time drivers’ champion was 1.1 seconds faster than his closest challenger, McLaren’s Lando Norris. On the final day of testing, Verstappen further impressed, setting a time of 1:30.755, surpassing his previous lap times.

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To emphasise Verstappen's performance, data from Formula Racers shows that the fastest time recorded in 2023 was 1:32.837, making the 26-year-old's current lap time 2.1 seconds faster.

After witnessing Verstappen's remarkable performance, two-time drivers’ champion Fernando Alonso has shared his honest prediction for the 2024 season.

Alonso’s 2024 season prediction

The 42-year-old, speaking to the media after his test session, emphasized the incredible dominance of Red Bull.

"I think 19 drivers in the paddock now will think that they will not win the championship," he said, as quoted by Autosport.com.

"I would say, I think after seeing Max [Verstappen] and the Red Bull car this year, there are less chances for everybody to win a race this year."

The Aston Martin driver's words are unsurprising, considering Verstappen's extraordinary achievements in 2023, where he won 19 of the 22 races. The remaining victories were split between Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who benefitted from a Red Bull technical error at the Singapore Grand Prix.

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While Alonso's prediction may seem pessimistic, his words reflect the sentiments of every opposing team in the Formula 1 paddock.

Hamilton on W14 disappointment

Sports Brief in another report stated Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, had spoken about his disappointment with the W14 car.

The 39-year-old has been vocal about the shortcomings of the Silver Arrow; however, his concerns were not heeded by the team's mechanics and engineers.