Sunday: Alonso Completes His Trophy Collection in Abu Dhabi

Fernando Alonso – 2nd

I’m thrilled with this result: my trophy collection is finally complete! I’ve finished on the podium 73 times and have managed to finish on the podium at every circuit where Formula 1 has visited over the past ten years. Next year, we will head to Austin and the following year to Russia, so I will have new challenges to tackle and goals to achieve, even though, of course, the main one is always to win the title. It is clear that the objective for next year for me as well as for the whole team will be to win the title.

Today we were in the fight for victory from start to finish. We got off to a good start and were able to match Hamilton’s pace. The first stop went well, although I lost a few seconds during the second one due to traffic on my in-lap and an issue with the front-left, but I don’t think we lost the race there because I’m convinced that, in the end, it’s the fastest car that wins.

The first lap was very exciting: at the start, I took the outside on Webber at the first corner because I knew there was more grip there; once I saw Vettel outside, I drafted Button, took some risks, but finally managed to pass him. Then I expected to struggle a bit more, but today was one of those times when the car is better than you hoped, and you’re more focused on fighting with those in front rather than looking in your mirrors. I hoped that by the end, I could make it, maybe because Hamilton might have had problems with his KERS like Button. Even if we weren’t fighting for the title, it was a good season: we improved as a team and learned a lot.

Felipe Massa – 5th

I cannot be satisfied with this fifth place. Things went well when I had the soft tires, but with the Mediums, I really struggled to keep the car on the track due to lack of grip. That’s why I spun on lap 49, losing any chance to stay ahead of Webber. In the first stint, I could fight against Button and the Australian, but I knew that in the last stint, I would be in trouble. Additionally, not being able to use the new front wing was even more penalizing with the Medium tires than with the Soft ones, because with harder rubber you can feel the lack of downforce even more.

Now we are going to Brazil where I will have a lot of support in front of my audience: I am sure that this will help me finish this season well, which has not been very positive for me. Even if it’s obvious, I can say that, despite all this, I am fully motivated for next year. With the team, I will work to have a more competitive car and you will see that everything will be different.

Stefano Domenicali – Director of Scuderia Ferrari

We knew that a podium was achievable, and it was confirmed tonight, thanks to Fernando’s extraordinary race. We were fighting for victory until the final part of the race. The Spaniard’s first lap was exceptional, as was his pace afterward. Felipe also had a very good start, staying in position for a podium place, but then, with the Medium tires, he had difficulties and couldn’t maintain a sufficient pace to stay ahead of Webber. In the end, placing a driver on the podium of this race is a real satisfaction.

« There is now one race left to run, in two weeks in Brazil. The second place in the drivers’ championship is still within our reach (for Alonso). It will be tough to achieve, but it’s clearly not impossible and we will do everything necessary to give Fernando the tools to succeed. Interlagos will also be an important weekend for Felipe, who I’m sure will want to give all his ever-enthusiastic fans a good result to celebrate. »