Qatar GP: Fernando Alonso opens up on the long-awaited Formula 1 podium and why it ‘means a lot’

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“You have to dedicate your whole life to this sport. Training, testing, simulating, racing, this passion and this love for the sport, that is exactly why we are doing this. For this moment”; Fernando Alonso Now Hoping for a Springboard in a More Regular Rivalry in 2022 for the Alps By James Galloway

Last update: 11/21/21 9:53 PM

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Fernando Alonso in the Alps was delighted with his first podium finish since 2014 after finishing third in Qatar

Fernando Alonso in the Alps was delighted with his first podium finish since 2014 after finishing third in Qatar

Fernando Alonso admitted he’s starting to wonder if he’ll ever finish on the Formula 1 podium again, as the former world champion finished seven years and 105 races waiting to visit the 98th podium of his illustrious career.

The 40-year-old Spaniard was named Driver of the Day at the inaugural Qatar Formula 1 Alpine Grand Prix by admirably delivering what proved to be a tough feat of a one-stop tire strategy to finish just behind rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, and before Sergio Perez. .

Having already qualified to qualify for fifth on Saturday, Alonso climbed two places after dropping the pre-race net for Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas and then outpaced Pierre Gasly in what he described as a “very important” step on the opening lap to finish second in the opening stages.

This usually gritty early move laid the foundations for the next 56 laps.

Although Alonso is among the most successful drivers in the sport’s history with two world championships and 32 race wins, the podiums have eluded him since his final year at Ferrari in 2014.

“This is the 98th podium in my career, but I tell you, the period from 97 to 98 was a very long time,” Alonso, who returned to Formula 1 this year after two seasons apart, told Sky Sports F1.

“It means a lot to this trophy because you’re in good shape and down in your career, there are good moments, bad moments, but we always show determination.

104th podium finish Team(s) Racing Best Score Ferrari (2014) 8 McLaren (2015-2018) 77 5th Alpine (2021) 19 4th

“The dedication that you put into Formula 1, you have to dedicate your whole life to this sport. Training, testing, simulating, racing, this passion and this love for the sport, that’s exactly why we’re doing this. For this kind of present.”

Speaking of his much-anticipated return to the podium, Alonso said of the achievement: “Obviously a win is a win, so he can’t rank very high, but he’s like ‘Finally! “

“We’ve been so close on a few occasions [this season] And I was just wondering if I would ever get a podium again in my career or not.

“You never know what’s going to happen next year, so I’m glad we took this. Let’s see if we can keep the momentum now for next year.”

Alonso on the podium: then and now

The two-time world champion set a new record for the longest podium gap on Sunday, having last finished on the podium – second – at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July 2014.

Alonso’s last appearance in the top three in Formula 1 comes 18 years and seven months after his debut in 2003, only Michael Schumacher (20 years and three months) has achieved a longer interval between first and final podiums in the sport.

“I feel so happy to be on stage with them.”

He was particularly relieved to have joined Hamilton and Verstappen, contenders for this year’s fencing title, on the podium in a race where only two cars failed.

“With all due respect to all the drivers, but being with Max and Lewis meant the race was pretty normal,” added Alonso.

“There are two platforms where something really big happened and then you ended up in this position. We deserved to be P3 today.”

Alpine, formerly Renault and still owned by the French manufacturer, suffered an inconsistent campaign, but their car was strong at the Losail International Circuit all weekend.

Esteban Ocon finished fifth, giving the team a total of 25 points in a single day, AlphaTauri – his fifth-place competitor in the Constructors Championship who started the weekend and tied with him on points – failed to score.

With his return to Formula One with an eye on a sweeping rule overhaul next year designed to help level opportunity, Alonso hopes his first podium for 2021 will be the start of even bigger things to come next season.

“The year has been better and better with the races,” said Alonso, who came close to the podiums in Hungary and Turkey.

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Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz toured the track after Lewis Hamilton’s big win in Qatar, while Fernando Alonso in the Alps won his first podium since 2014

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz toured the track after Lewis Hamilton’s big win in Qatar, while Fernando Alonso in the Alps won his first podium since 2014

“The plan will always be ready in 2022 with the new regulations and hopefully you will be competitive there. Without 2021, I will not be ready for next season because of this type of racing.

“You need to understand tire strategy, tire management, starting and the level of risk you are putting in different parts of the race. It was a very good practice in 2021 so I feel ready now.

Asked about the possibility of competing near Hamilton and Verstappen more regularly in 2022, Alonso replied: “It would be great to fight with them, they are both great champions and I feel happy to be on top with them.”

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