Alonso: Criticism of Poor Alpine F1 Form was a ‘Blessing’ Because of Ocon

After four disappointing years with McLaren, Fernando Alonso left the sport in 2018. However, before quitting Formula 1, the Spaniard left some hints regarding the potential comeback.

Alonso made a comeback this year with Alpine F1 which was formerly known as Renault with whom the Spaniard secured two world championships in 2005 and 2006. And after an arduous start to life on his return to F1, Fernando Alonso has finally found his feet in the new car.

Although during the start of the season the two-time world champion had to face a lot of criticism. However, the Spaniard did not let the criticism impact his game instead; he took it as a blessing because of his teammate Esteban Ocon.

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What did Fernando Alonso say?

As quoted by Soymotor, when asked about why he takes criticism as a blessing Fernando Alonso replied: “Because it was only a matter of time that if now it was a tenth, it would be valued because if I was always ahead of Ocon or if I was always in the points, it would be said as it has always been said in my career, partner was not at the highest level and that the car could give more, but I did not give more.”

“So, if suddenly it was finished, I knew that whatever happened in the future would be valued much more. they went very there, like France without going any further, that I did a ninth,” said Fernando Alonso in an interview with Soymotor.

“A good race, but nothing special. But it was sold as if it had been a super race, thanks to those first races – good ones – I knew it was a good one thing.” (Quotes translated via Google)

The Spaniard to sign a contract extension

Since Esteban Ocon signed his new long-term contract with Alpine, the Frenchman has struggled to put a decent performance. Since then, Fernando Alonso has scored 13 points for the Enstone-based team.

The Spaniard has discovered his old form after outstanding performances in recent race weekends. Alonso has pushed his car to very limits and is currently on a streak of five top 10 finishes.

Meanwhile, the Alpine team principal Laurent Rossi is impressed by the 39-year-old and believes the Spaniard is doing everything to extend his contract.

“He is doing great. He is as fast as ever. He is certainly extracting the most out of the car. The car is not incredibly fast and he still manages to get some super-hot laps and qualify the car very well. So far, so good,” said Laurent Rossi.

“He is doing everything for me to consider exercising this [contractual] option.”

Fernando Alonso currently sits P11 in the driver’s championship, 12 points ahead of his teammate Esteban Ocon.

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Can Fernando Alonso continue his scoring streak at the Hungarian Grand Prix? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.