Ross Brawn Explains the Reason for His Fernando Alonso Frustration

Alpine driver Fernando Alonso recently finished P3 in Qatar, his first podium in seven years. In terms of pure racing talent, Alonso is inarguably one of the most talented drivers in history. Of course, talent in sports doesn’t guarantee success, and unfulfilled potential often leads to frustration. And in Alonso’s case, this frustration is shared by fans. One of which is F1 MD, Ross Brawn.

In his weekly column on Formula One’s website, Brawn revealed that Alonso was ‘easily’ his driver of the day. Yet he still feels ‘frustrated’ with the Spaniard.

“I’m a big fan of Fernando and I’ve always felt frustrated he only won two world championships for someone of his talent. He’s easily my driver of the day. He’s a man who is still in love with F1 and it shows.”

To be clear, Ross Brawn’s frustration is not with Fernando Alonso the person or the driver but Fernando Alonso’s legacy. Brawn is possibly hinting that the former Renault driver’s records don’t do justice to his capabilities. The capabilities of which he presented a glimpse of even at the age of 40 in his comeback season, the current one.

Alonso gave a masterclass in defensive driving in Hungary, directly enabling his teammate Esteban Ocon to take a shocking victory.

Brawn also feels that besides his talent, it’s Alonso’s time away from F1 that has enhanced his skills even more.

“He’s hugely talented. Maybe the perspective he’s got now, after some time away from the sport, might be helping.”

What was Fernando Alonso doing in his time away?

In 2019, Alonso bid goodbye to F1. The then McLaren driver had struggled for many years in the mid-table ever since he left Ferrari in 2013.

Having already won the 24 Hour of LeMans in 2018, Alonso won it again in 2019. In the same year, he also won the 24 Hours of Daytona. Alonso also competed in the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500 in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

In the list of drivers with most titles, ten are above Fernando Alonso. And with his two titles, he shares his spot with five other drivers. Still, Fernando Alonso is counted in the upper echelon of the sport.

This isn’t because of his titles or his records, but because of his talent. And for a racing driver to be recognized for their talent over their numbers, it’s quite an achievement.

Also Read: Fernando Alonso Comments on the Possibility of Breaking the Verstappen-Hamilton f1 Duopoly