Fernando Alonso was considered one of the best Formula 1 drivers of the past 20 years. When he came back after a two-year break, he was in his late 30s. Too old? But Alonso is as strong as ever.
The last time he stood on the top step of the podium was ten years ago, when he drove his Ferrari to an acclaimed triumph at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Will the sensational repeat in the Aston Martin follow a decade later next weekend?
The seventh Grand Prix of the season is the home round for the “Prince of Asturias”, who was Formula 1 World Champion in 2005 and 2006 in a Renault. After that, titles with Ferrari and McLaren were also planned. But nothing came of it. The Spaniard took a break from Formula 1 in 2019 and 2020.
Already five times on the podium
Fernando Alonso Diaz is now 41 years old. And he really shines. The man from Oviedo has been on the podium in five of the six races of the season so far: third place four times and even second place in Monte Carlo. The Aston Martin-Alonso duo was really strong there in Monaco’s tight corners. But against the superiority of the Red Bull was not to arrive. Not yet.
The former champion will certainly benefit from the preparatory work of Sebastian Vettel, who worked for the British racing team for two years on the “Top Team” project. And could not reap any fruit.
class difference within Aston Martin
If you look at Vettel’s old and Alonso’s current teammates Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, in isolation, then the term “middle-class racing team” would certainly have continued. Stroll has collected 27 points so far and is eighth in the drivers’ standings. Alonso’s previous yield: 93 points. Last year Vettel had at least twice as many points as his teammate, but that was only 37.
This means that Fernando Alonso is clearly in a different league than Stroll. Vettel had become world champion four times in the Red Bull against Alonso in the Ferrari – these are drivers on an equal footing.
Ralf Schumacher praises Alonso about the green clover
And yet Alonso seems to be able to do something that Stroll in particular cannot do. But what is it? The car is probably not or only to a small extent – see Stroll. It must be due to Alonso’s special experience, who is also physically in optimal shape. He is now at an age “In which he concentrates on the essentials. And he is now working hard against the accusation that he is not a team player. And he does it very well and very fairly.”said the former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher of the German Press Agency, and is sure: “He could win the title in the Red Bull.”
It is a racing driver’s wisdom that the driver who best brings together the important jigsaw pieces of speed, tactics, physical condition and communication with technicians and team members will be successful. That is exactly what appears to be the case in 2023.
Alonso needs weaknesses from his “fan” Verstappen
World champion Max Verstappen is currently so superior in his Red Bull that he can probably only beat himself in Spain. “We need weekends when Red Bull has problems”, says Alonso. He doesn’t put any pressure on himself.
“I have a lot of respect for him because he is still so committed at this age.” Alonso is his favorite driver in the current field, adds Verstappen: “I grew up watching him drive.” he be “a great example for the people out there”he emphasizes: “If you stay committed and believe in yourself and the opportunities that come your way, then you can create something like what he’s doing right now.”
And Alonso will be there and will strike ice cold if Verstappen and Perez give themselves even the smallest weakness. Will Verstappen then remain a fan of the 16-year-old colleague?