2023 has turned out to be a great year for Fernando Alonso. After just one podium finish in his two years with Alpine, the three back-to-back P3 finishes in as many races will certainly give him confidence. The consistent feat is also a testament to his racing pedigree, which has continued despite him turning 42. As many felt he had developed rust over time, the Oviedo-born has clapped back in a roaring statement recently.

After his two back-to-back world championship wins in 2005 and 2006, Alonso came ever so close to lifting the trophy again a couple of times but agonizingly fell short. Even making a switch to a giant like Ferrari didn’t help the Spaniard enough to top the charts again. Tired of continuous failure, he announced his retirement from the sport in 2018 only for it to turn out to be a 2-year hiatus.

Fernando Alonso hits back at critics citing his unique achievements outside of F1

Alonso continued racing during his 2 years away from F1. During the stint, he won multiple accolades, including the 24 hours of Le Mans and WEC. These achievements in the endurance racing realm showed that the Spaniard still had a lot left in him.

Motorsport.com recently quoted him as saying, “It hasn’t been that long. I know people always think I’ve been in the darkest tunnel for decades, but I’ve been world champion four years ago [with Toyota, in the WEC].” [Translated using Google]

“I know it’s not F1, but our world is not just Formula 1. There are many beautiful things in motorsport.”

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He also slammed those who felt that his newfound success with Aston Martin is a revelation.

I have always been competitive- Alonso

Last year, while he was still with Alpine, the car faced some reliability issues. Despite that, the team finished 4th in the championship ahead of the mighty McLaren. That would have never been possible had it not been for the 2-time champion and the grit he showed on the track. The AMR23 has only given him a platform to be able to compete for the top 3 spots once again.

Fernando continued, “I have been winning and dominating in the WEC for only four years. I’ve been fighting for podiums for the last two years with Alpine. I’ve been fighting for even pole position, in Australia last year, and I got to the front row in Canada about eight months ago.”

“I have always been competitive and I hope that now it will be a little more.”

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Given the form he is in, would you say it is only a matter of time before he wins a race? Or has the Red Bull duo sealed that spot in their name for the rest of the season?