‘A Little Bit Odd’ – Fernando Alonso on Being Alpine F1’s “Godfather”

Fernando Alonso returned to the Formula One scene for the 2021 season with Alpine Racing. The Spaniard confessed that he felt a little bit odd, since he is one of the most experienced members in the team. In fact, Renault CEO Luca de Meo called him everyone’s godfather at Alpine Racing.

According to De Meo, Alonso’s role in the team vastly differs from 15 years ago. That was when he won two titles with the erstwhile Renault F1 team. Now that he is one of the senior members in the team, Alonso is helping the outfit in the constructors’ championship, especially in the developmental aspect.

“I think he meant that from everybody in the team, one of the most experienced guys is the driver now, which is a little bit odd,” Alonso said.

“Normally you come into Formula 1 and we have a lot of experienced members in the team that are telling you the old races and the anecdotes and curiosities of Imola, curiosities of another circuit.

“And I’m probably the guy that is telling the team those things, it’s the driver that is telling these things now and that is a little bit strange at the moment.”

What else did Fernando Alonso say?

The F1 veteran’s experience will be hugely beneficial for Alpine on the track. However, the 39-year-old confessed that he will have to get used to this new dynamic in the 2021 season. This is Alonso’s third stint at the Enstone outfit, having been with the team since 2002 as a reserve driver.

Since then, he won two titles in 2005 and 2006, before jumping ship to McLaren. However, he returned to Renault in 2008 and remained with the side until 2010. Finally, after stints with Ferrari and a second McLaren run, he took a two-year sabbatical from F1. After dabbling in different racing categories, he is back in Formula One and reunited with Renault. This time, the outfit is racing with the Alpine badge.

Of course, Alonso is not flattering to deceive himself about his team’s chances of success. He has faith that the French F1 team has the capability to become a major contender in the future. For now, he is simply enjoying himself in the team. Though he is unsure about how long it will take for success to come the team’s way.

READ MORE: Fernando Alonso Explains the Reason Behind His Return to Formula One With Renault