![Fernando Alonso Snubs Sergio Perez With Strong Claim Ahead Of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix](https://www.si.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_768/MTk2MzIwMzY4OTkyOTg2NDE2/si202303050095.jpg)
Fernando Alonso Snubs Sergio Perez With Strong Claim Ahead Of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
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Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has spoken following the eventful qualifying session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Sergio Perez took pole position. However, despite Perez starting at the front of the grid, Alonso has predicted his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen will win the race even though he is starting in fifteenth place.
Speaking during his post-qualifying interview, the Spanish driver was confident for more performance tomorrow but explained that he still thinks Verstappen is unstoppably. Alonso said:
"I don't know [if we can beat Perez] - I think we are not in that position yet.
"On pure pace, I think Red Bull is in another league and I think we have to concentrate more on the teams behind. So Ferrari will be very strong, Mercedes are strong, also Alpine - they are fast here.
"I think our race is just behind us. We saw today Max probably was in his league today in qualifying and he could not complete the qualifying with a mechanical issue.
"Even if we focus on our mirrors and try to keep the people behind, if anything happens in front, we will try to take the opportunity.”
The Spanish driver continued:
“Yes, I think so, I think Max will come eventually in the race. They have this advantage. I don’t know which race it was last year, he started last or changed the power unit but he even won the race. Tomorrow, there’s no doubt he will be on the podium probably, minimum.