Alonso “very far” from a podium in Sochi

For his return to F1, Fernando Alonso is having a mixed season. 10th in the championship with 50 points, he nevertheless is ahead of his teammate by 15 points. Stepping back, Alpine has not really progressed compared to last year under the name Renault. So, yes, the team won a Grand Prix this season in Hungary with Esteban Ocon’s victory and the miraculous assistance from Alonso against Hamilton. But it is clearly not enough to challenge the third place in the constructor’s standings.

At Monza, Alpine knew that the race was going to be difficult. It was not a surprise for Alonso. In a press conference, the Spaniard admits that a podium in the upcoming races will be impossible to achieve, unless the conditions are very favorable for the team. However, he emphasizes the consistency and good results obtained during the season.

« I think we are the fifth or sixth fastest team, so to get a podium, we really need a chaotic race. Without it, I believe that based on performance alone, top 6 or 7 is the maximum position. We have achieved this in a few races this year and I am satisfied with the consistency. You have to be very lucky to get a podium. I wasn’t so far off and I don’t expect to be in the remaining races. If it happens, it will obviously be welcome, but I think we need to work on realistic expectations.

If the Monza circuit was not ideal for Alpine, Alonso hopes that Sochi will be much better. Just like the rest of the paddock, he will have to be careful about the rain. Showers are expected throughout the weekend. This may be a hope for the French team.

« We believe that Monza was one of the worst circuits for us in terms of configurations and characteristics of our package. In Sochi, it should be a little better and you never know because you have to feel the car in the air. The weather seems a bit unknown or even a bit humid on Saturday. So it will be important to have a clean Friday, as it may be the only dry race of the weekend.