Fernando Alonso Explains Absence From Alpine F1 Car Launch

The season of F1 car launches is underway, and March 2 is when Alpine F1 get down to unveil their latest machinery. But unfortunately, their driver Fernando Alonso will not be physically present during the reveal of their all-new A521 car.

The norm is generally to have the driver pairing alongside the team principal next to their new machinery. It is also usually followed up by a brief press conference regarding the upcoming season’s car.

But seemingly, Alonso will witness the car launch back from his current base in Switzerland, unable to travel owing to current restrictions. Regardless, he has sent a heartfelt message to his and the team’s fans, while expressing his desire to see them soon at the earliest.

Can’t wait to show you the car and new racing suit, said Fernando Alonso

Alonso said, “Hello everyone, as you know I will not be able to be on the team launch next Tuesday in the UK. With the current restrictions between Switzerland and UK, makes it a little bit difficult to travel.”

“But anyway, I will follow literally like everyone, so doesn’t matter if you are there physically. And yeah, I can’t wait to show you the car, the new colors, the new racing suit, so you know really excited and see you very soon!” concluded Alonso.

While the two-time F1 champion will not make it, his teammate Esteban Ocon is likely to be present for the car launch. Rest assured, many around the globe are keenly waiting to take a first peek at how the newly branded team’s 2021 challenger looks like.

Testing in Bahrain will give initial indications of Alpine F1’s speed

Based on Renault’s work in the 2020 season, the French team mustered efforts to only land them a P5 in the Constructors’ standings. But more importantly, drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Ocon showed that the car had the capability to land podium finishes.

Alonso will certainly be pleased with that and would look to further Alpine’s objectives in that regard. However, being an experienced campaigner of the sport, he will himself know that official testing would give a more solid indication of what is to come in the season ahead.

Therefore, there is definitely a level of intrigue and excitement to see what kind of package Alpine will come up with. The car launch will be available to stream on the team’s social media channels from 3 PM GMT onwards.

MORE – ‘I Secretly Expect Something’: F1 Pundit’s Verdict on Mick Schumacher