“Maybe 20 Seconds Later…” – Fernando Alonso Dishes Out After Potential Front Row Start Slips Out of His Fingers

Fernando Alonso is the oldest and one of the most experienced drivers on the grid for the current Formula 1 season. The two-time champion with Renault might not be the youngest, but he still has the skill to shine in the competitive sport. Currently racing for Alpine, he was close to being on pole since 2012. Sadly, though, his car crashed in Q3 of the Australian Grand Prix.

As heard on his team radio, Alonso couldn’t change gears and lost the hydraulics. He was flying and could’ve surprised everyone with a P1 at the qualifying for Australian Grand Prix. But it was not to be. Now, the Spaniard will start at P10 instead.

Fernando Alonso gives hope to Alpine

The Spaniard might’ve had a poor finish to the qualifying, but one thing’s for sure. There’s hope for Alpine! Absolutely, flying all weekend, the Alpine is performing at the highest level. And with Alonso pushing the car to the limit, he almost took to the front grid for the Australian Grand Prix. However, he eventually had some bad luck, as a hydraulic problem caused him to crash.

Speaking with Motosport.com, Alonso said, “We had a hydraulic problem. The gearbox didn’t start and the engine shut down. It’s unbelievable how unfortunate it was. Maybe 20 seconds later we were on pole. It’s hard to explain.” 

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Confident in the car and himself, Alonso believed he could’ve finished at pole if it weren’t for the crash. His teammate Esteban Ocon, however, finished at P8.

Both of the Alpine drivers treated us to some amazing racing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last time out. The pair have been consistently performing for the Alpine F1 team so far. Alonso chasing the 5th position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix gave Ocona a great challenge. But the Spaniard was unlucky once again, as he couldn’t finish the race.

Fight till the finish

Alonso will look to redeem himself at the Australian Grand Prix. The two-time champion certainly has what it takes. And this time around, he even has a swift machine to work with.

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Alonso finishing his Australian Grand Prix qualification at P10 is a blow to the entire team, as he was quickest in the middle sector. However, the race is tomorrow and we can expect some aggressive driving from Alonso as he takes on the middle of the grid. He will have Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari beside him and his teammate ahead of him in P8.

One thing’s for sure, Alonso would not take the unfortunate turn of events lightly and would like to redeem himself tomorrow at the race.