Verstappen: Race wins definitely on the table for Alonso

Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin were the revelation of Formula 1's first weekend in Bahrain last weekend, the Spaniard - qualifying fifth, racing to third - confirming his AMR23's flashes of form in pre-season testing and practice ahead of the race.

The question remains whether Alonso and his team can sustain this strong form over the course of the season and - with Mercedes lost in the wilderness while Ferrari are still making a habit off shooting themselves in the foot - become the only contenders to trouble Red Bull.

Asked if Alonso is a potential contender, Max Verstappen said; quoted by F1's official website: "I hope so, for Fernando as well.

"He has had a few years where there was not really a possibility to fight at the front, so I’m happy to see him sitting here already in race one," he explained.

"I think I mentioned it before but at Aston Martin I think they really have the spirit and drive. They want to win and they’ve hired a lot of good people, so I guess it can only get better for them."

The Dutchman, however, thinks a Championship challenge may not be possible for Alonso and Aston Martin, but wins are definitely on the cards.

He said: "I think for this year, it’s difficult to say if they are going to challenge for the championship, but race wins are definitely on the table.

"I’ve been in the same position where in some races I’m finishing 20 to 40 seconds behind the winners and you still win two or three races a year.

"Sometimes there are some tracks which really suit your car and everything just comes together, and you can win a race, with maybe sometimes a bit of help or luck," the double F1 Champion maintained.

Sergio Perez echoed his teammate's sentiments on Alonso and Aston Martin; he said: "I’m first of all very happy to see Aston and Fernando up here.

"I think it’s been a tremendous effort, and it’s great to see Fernando in his first race for the team on the podium," he added.

"I think they certainly have a very good car, they will be a contender, for sure, in a few tracks. You know that these seasons in F1 are extremely long, so anything can happen," the Mexican concluded.