Fernando Alonso, his 5 best defenses in Formula 1

In his long career in Formula 1, Fernando Alonso has delivered some of the finest duels in the history of the discipline, with formidable defenses against great drivers. A look back at five of them, in a non-exhaustive list...

Published on 06/11/2023 à 16:35

Dorian Grangier

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Fernando Alonso, his 5 best defenses in Formula 1

Hungary 2021, one of Alonso's best defenses in F1 © DPPI

2005 San Marino Grand Prix

Defense on Michael Schumacher for 13 rounds – Winner

This is obviously THE battle that immediately comes to mind when we talk about Fernando Alonso and its qualities of “defender”. The 2005 San Marino Grand Prix is remembered as the pinnacle of the Alonso – Schumacher duel in the mid-2000s. On more worn Michelin tires, the Spaniard resisted the German's multiple assaults during the last 13 laps of a stifling race.

Despite a last desperate attempt by the Red Baron in the final chicane, Alonso crossed the finish line as the winner, by two tenths! “I have certainly just fought one of the most beautiful battles of my career, he savors. I was well aware that Michael was a good second faster and the only way to contain him was to keep it in the middle of the track and be a little faster on the gas pedal. That works ! »

2010 Singapore Grand Prix

Defense on Sebastian Vettel for 61 rounds – Winner

Resist any driver F1 is already a challenge in itself. Resisting an F1 legend, Sebastian Vettel, is an immeasurable challenge. So, to resist a faster Sebastian Vettel, without interruption, for 61 laps in the tropical climate of Singapore, is almost a miracle. However, Fernando Alonso did it in 2010.

Starting in pole position, the Spaniard is put under pressure from start to finish by the driver Red Bull. The gap never goes beyond 3-4 seconds. Not a minute's respite and yet, the double world champion does not break and signs his one and only Grand Slam in Formula 1 at Marina Bay. The gap at the finish? Less than three tenths!

Hungarian Grand Prix 2014

Defense on Lewis Hamilton for 10 rounds – Second

The 2014 season is one to forget for Fernando Alonso, except for one Grand Prix: that of Hungary, where he gives a lesson in driving and defense with a Ferrari difficult to drive. Ten laps from the finish, the Iberian leads the race but with worn soft tires. Desperate to win a Grand Prix that year, Alonso and Ferrari decided to take a chance and reach the finish line without stopping. Behind, the Hamilton threat is getting closer.

Despite a car execrable and tires at the end of their life, the Spaniard will do everything to deny access to his British opponent. If Daniel Ricciardo, leader before his pit stop and much faster on fresh tires, will make short work of the two drivers, Fernando Alonso does not give in to Lewis Hamilton and maintains his second place until the finish, his best result of the season.

Hungarian Grand Prix 2021

Defense on Lewis Hamilton for 10 laps – Fourth

We know Alonso, the individualist, but less Alonso the “Team Player”. However, at this 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, it is its second facet that shows itself. Chased by Sebastian Vettel, Esteban Ocon – then teammate of Fernando Alonso – worried about the stratospheric pace of Lewis Hamilton, the driver Mercedes rising like a ball a little further. 15 laps from the checkered flag, Alpine asked Alonso, then 4th, to delay Hamilton as much as possible.

The Spaniard is having fun despite a tire disadvantage and a Alpine intrinsically less strong than the Mercedes. The Bull of Asturias blocks his former best enemy for ten turns, and allows Ocon to escape to win after 70 turns. Alonso, the inexhaustible warrior, became Minister of Defense for one Sunday.

2023 Brazilian Grand Prix

Defense on Sergio Pérez for 18 laps – Third

Failing to be animated by a battle between Max Verstappen et Lando Norris at the head of the peloton, this 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix was thanks to the fight between Fernando Alonso and Sergio Pérez. Long under threat from the Mexican, the Spaniard seems to hold on to score his 8th podium of the year. But the Red Bull driver, after putting pressure on him for 20 laps, made him break at the start of the penultimate pass…

The end of hopes for Fernando Alonso? Not really. The double world champion did not give up and remained in contact with “Checo”, whom he managed to overtake on the last lap thanks to a great maneuver at turn 4. The driver Aston Martin holds on to take 3rd place for only 53 thousandths!

ALSO READ > VIDEO – The final lap battle between Alonso and Pérez in Brazil