Fernando Alonso a little more in the history of Formula 1

At the French Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso once again panicked the counters. A veteran on the grid, the Spaniard has now become the driver with the most laps completed in Formula 1. At Castellet, he brought his total to 18 loops. A record previously held by Kimi Raïkkonen. At Castellet, in addition to writing his name a little more in the history books, Fernando Alonso above all allowed Alpine to bring back valuable championship points.

Qualified in 7th position, the Spaniard took advantage of a very good start to get ahead of the McLaren de Lando Norris and Mercedes by George Russell. A takeoff on the grid which subsequently conditioned the rest of his race. “ The start was probably crucial to get past Lando. I think they have a very similar pace (both McLarens), but being in front of them in the first two laps was enough to control the race and the pace, so I'm happy », Testifies Fernando Alonso in the mixed zone after the Grand Prix.

Alonso, a management race against the two McLarens

Positioned behind the duel between Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes, the Spaniard was well aware that he does not have the car to worry them. Fernando Alonso then remained focused on his sole objective: finishing in front of McLaren. For Alpine, it is the team based in Woking that we absolutely had to beat in France to take 4th place in the championship. While 6th place seemed acquired for the Spaniard, Lando Norris began to come back into the rearview mirrors. The veteran on the grid was then told to increase the pace.

But Fernando Alonso knew very well how the race was going to unfold and full of mischief, he voluntarily slowed down. “ There was a good challenge with the Mercedes in front of us or Checo, but that wasn't our goal, so from that point on we just had to control them (McLaren) and if they got close to us they were probably going to damage the tires, so it wasn't a concern at that time », deciphers Fernando Alonso.

At the finish of the French Grand Prix, the Spaniard with his 6th place and Esteban Ocon (8th) allow Alpine to reassert itself as the 4th force on the board. With 4 units ahead of McLaren before Hungary, the French team will hope to be able to extend its momentum to take full advantage of the summer break.

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