via Reuters
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 2, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during the press conference Hassan Ammar/Pool via REUTERS
via Reuters
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 2, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during the press conference Hassan Ammar/Pool via REUTERS
Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, together have six world championships to their name. And Otmar Szafnauer will thank his lucky stars as he has managed both the drivers. Managing them during their peak years would have provided a different challenge. But handling them now during the end of their careers is certainly a unique experience.
Szafnauer left Aston Martin and joined rivals Alpine ahead of the 2022 season. Under the expert guidance of Otmar, Alpine has started the season strongly amid reliability issues. Meanwhile, Aston Martin is struggling for pace and sits at rock bottom in the standings. Having the opportunity to manage both the legendary drivers, the Romanian- American spoke about the differences between the two.
Otmar Szafnauer reveals Alonso, and Vettel are similar
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The Alpine team principal admitted that Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are similar in their desire to win. “They are very similar. Different in personality, but similar in their requests to be able to go faster, about what they do,” said Szafnauer who also gave input on key differences between the two.
Also Read – Szafnauer Hints at Alpine Potentially Joining the Red Bull-Ferrari F1 Title Fight Soon
“I think Sebastian has more detailed feedback, but Fernando focuses on those things that will give him more performance from the start, the big stuff, whereas Sebastian studies the big stuff and then gets into the details. There are differences, but their desire to win and improve performance is the same,” the former Aston Martin team principal added.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 29, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during a press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga
Fernando Alonso is no stranger to competition. With his Alpine contract ending after the 2022 season, there are questions about his future in Formula 1. The young Oscar Piastri is hot on the heels of Alonso, but the Spaniard has stated his desire to remain in Formula 1. His future will depend on his performances this year, without a doubt.
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Otmar also revealed that the 40-year-old is ‘ultra-competitive.’ It is certainly inspiring to see Alonso wanting to achieve more after an illustrious career in Formula 1.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel has endured a tough start to the season. Covid-19 ruled him out of the first two races. And it was followed by a difficult weekend in Australia. The German crashed into the barriers during the free practice session and was forced to retire in the race.
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Watch This Story – F1 Drivers Fighting on Track
There is no doubt the two drivers have achieved the highest honors in the sport. But Vettel and Alonso are on the tail end of their careers. We hope they finish their Formula 1 career on a high note.
