Bahrain Grand Prix: Alonso remains diplomatic despite his withdrawal
The two-time world champion didn't see the finish line on his return to Formula 1.
Fernando Alonso was let down by his new car! The Spaniard retired on the 34th lap this Sunday at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Unlucky: the Alpine lost its rear brakes. But this reliability issue is just the tip of the iceberg!
Off to a good start from 9th place, Alonso had made the right call during the first pit stops on the 13th lap. The Bull of Asturias had gained a position, coming out in front of Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren. A feat of a race that continued to worsen.
Struggling on his second stint on hard tires, notably passed by his compatriot Carlos Sainz, Kimi Räikkönen’s Alfa Romeo, and Yuki Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri, Alonso slipped down the rankings before finally returning to the pit on the 34th lap.
At the Canal+ microphone, the Alpine driver was still very calm.
We always try to finish the race. When you don’t take the checkered flag, you are disappointed. But it was interesting to feel the emotion of the starting grid again, the start of a race, the battles…
« I really enjoyed those moments. I think I will be even more prepared in Imola. We need to learn from what happened and come back stronger next time.
Any positives for Alpine?
Alonso puts things into context: for him, Alpine has still made progress in the development of the A521.
« You always want to keep getting better. But I think we have taken many steps forward and improved the car. We have also passed milestones during this first race. We are heading in the right direction. Of course, we need to keep improving, but the team is taking the right steps forward. »
Fernando Alonso: « we are heading in the right direction. of course, we need to improve but the team is making progress. »
By the way, Alonso reminded us of the early 2010s by fighting for 8th place around the 21st lap with Sebastian Vettel’s Aston Martin. A battle also completed by Sainz, who passed both drivers at once! Alonso clearly took advantage, but will it be the same if Alpine doesn’t progress in Imola in 3 weeks?
