ALO in the press conference (the more interesting bits):
Q: Fernando, let's start with you. Race one done. What can you tell us about the car's potential after what we saw in Melbourne?
Fernando ALONSO: Yeah, difficult to know exactly. I think qualifying was OK for us. I think until the damage in Q2, we were competitive. But then in the race, I think it was difficult to judge the performance of the cars. I think we just followed the car in front more or less, took care of the tyre, waiting for the dry track to come. And yeah, it was a game, if we could say that. So yeah, I think we have to wait a few races, different track layouts – Suzuka as well, Bahrain with the slow-speed corners. So I think after four or five races, we will have a better idea.
Q: You say you were looking after the tyres on Sunday, but did you learn anything about the tyre degradation? I mean, at the front, for example, we saw that McLaren were very strong, whereas Red Bull, perhaps a little weaker. Did you learn about your car?
FA: I don't know. That we had a little bit more pace than the cars in front, probably, but it was very difficult to overtake. It was only one very narrow racing line to be able to overtake. And yeah, the tyre deg was big, but when you follow cars, it's always big. As I said, I think we have to wait and see. It was an interesting first race. Pace in qualifying was maybe better than expected – better than what we saw in Bahrain. The race was tricky, it was difficult for everyone, but the outcome was eight points for the team thanks to a very good race from Lance. All in all, it was a good first race for us.
Q: So what about here? You were mighty in qualifying at this race last year. Can you hope for anything close to that if it’s dry?
FA: I don't know. I think we started a little bit stronger last year, especially in quali, so it’s definiteky going to be a bit more difficult. We were P3 in wet and P3 in dry with the two qualifyings here. I think it’s going to be a challenge to repeat that kind of result, but we will try our best and try to score the first points for me of the year. Looking forward to it – this is one of the best layouts of the year, one of the best race tracks for us as drivers in the championship. So yeah, looking forward.
Q: (Luke Smith – The Athletic) Fernando, another one for you. I just wanted to ask about your first few weeks working with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin. How much have you guys been talking so far? I know you’ve been traveling a lot, but are you already getting an idea of what he’s thinking?
FA: We haven’t spoken in detail yet. Obviously, we’ve all been very busy – from the Bahrain test to Australia, then straight to here in China. When we go back to the factory, hopefully, we’ll have more time to sit down properly. But I know he’s really motivated, and he’s fully involved in everything that’s coming for 2026. He’s also looking at what we’re doing every weekend. I’m definitely looking forward to working with him. I know his thinking , I know his approach for the last years, we’ve be talking for many years, we’ve been together last year at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, we had lunch together. So I know what he’s capable of, and I’m excited for the future.
