F1
Why didn't Alonso want to overtake Stroll at Barcelona?
Fernando Alonso (slightly) disappointed the Spanish public in Barcelona © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
It is a choice which has fueled criticism. In the final laps of the race, Fernando Alonso – then 7th – came back at high speed on his teammate Lance stroll behind him. The Canadian, with tires around ten laps older, was driving a few tenths slower than the local hero in Barcelona.
The public then expected to see the Bull of Asturias make short work of his young teammate… but it was not the case. On the radio with his team, Fernando Alonso dampened the hopes of the supporters who came in large numbers. “ Tell Lance not to worry, I just want to create a gap to the cars behind in case it rains. » Ultimately, the positions remained frozen until the checkered flag. Rarely have we seen such a docile Fernando Alonso…
Upon arrival, and as the first criticisms began to emerge on the networks, the Spaniard was asked to explain his decision to stay behind Lance Stroll. “I think I was a little faster, by a tenth or two – I had newer tires with 10 laps to go,” explained Fernando Alonso. But when you approach another car, you get turbulence. I already damaged one floor [in qualifying], I didn't want to damage another one today and I didn't want him to damage his floor defending himself either! »
“Sixth and seventh, they are the same points”
According to the Spanish driver, attacking his teammate would not have made sense for the final result, which has already been acquired for Aston Martin. “For us, it was the same thing. Sixth and seventh, seventh and sixth, those are the same points. Bringing the car home seemed like the right choice. »
A logical choice according to the double world champion, even if he questions: has Fernando Alonso lost two precious points for the championship? If Max Verstappen already has a significant lead and the title seems already acquired, the Spaniard (usually more pugnacious) declared not long ago that he had not abandoned his hopes of the title. Would such a decision therefore go against its ambitions? At almost 42 years old, we imagine Fernando Alonso experienced enough to know what is good... or not.
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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06/06/2023 at 11:20 a.m.
Fernand is into "political correctness" and especially did not want to get angry with his boss by taking down his pants to the intermittent son of the show!!