When the Alpine Racing team announced that they were signing Fernando Alonso, many were apprehensive. Given that he is 39-years old, people were under the impression that the Spaniard is past his prime. While that is true for the most part, Alonso has shown occasional flashes of brilliance.
Recently, F1 managing director Ross Brawn talked about the Spaniard. He said, “We’re seeing signs of the old Fernando, which is great to see. I think it was a good decision by Renault/Alpine to sign him up.
The stability that he will bring to the team can’t be underestimated. To have his experience, as a double world champion who is highly motivated, is hugely valuable. That team has gone under several changes, and they will benefit from his input.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch Story: Alonso swaps signed helmets with Nikita Mazepin
Can Fernando Alonso keep up this form?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Theoretically speaking, he definitely can keep up his stellar form. In fact, he is well-known to outperform his cars. He often did it while he was at McLaren back when they were in their underperforming phase. Alonso was well-known for dragging his car to places it should not be. Suffice to say, he could do the same thing for the Alpine Racing team in the 2021 season.
At the same time, he can act as a bit of a mentor for teammate Esteban Ocon. Together, the two of them will try their hardest to climb up the ranks in the constructor’s championship. Aside from the Mercedes-Red Bull battle, the midfield dogfight is getting very interesting. McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, AlphaTauri and Aston Martin are right in the thick of it and squabbling with each other.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
At the recently concluded French Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso crossed the line in 8th place, picking up 4 points. Admittedly, this was not enough to see him break the Top 10. Luckily for him, there is plenty of time for him to make some inroads on the drivers ahead of him.