Experts are amazed at the “new” Alonso: “It’s fun to annoy the guys!”

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Three years with McLaren-Honda (2015 to 2017) and then a year with McLaren-Renault Fernando Alonso had given the peace: “I’m not behind with a Formula 2 engine,” he had deeply insulted the Japanese. And with a sideways look at Mercedes, he added: “You know who’s going to win before every race!”

Honda: “Never again with Alonso!”

He suffered 30 of his 77 failures in 262 races with Honda. Fernando, the otherwise lucky person, went stinking without podiums at the end of 2018. The fact that Aston Martin of all people will now be in Honda’s engine bed from 2026 (“Alonso will never drive one of our cars again!”) has its own irony. But then Alonso’s mission is probably over!

Aston Martin also owes Alpine that the Fernando Express is now rolling with the green monster and the Mercedes power. A year ago they messed around with Alonso for a new contract. After a two-year break (2019/20), the two-time world champion returned to the track in 2021 with Renault/Alpine.

Alpine drove him to the “Greens”

The Spaniard demanded a new two-year contract after two years. The Frenchman only wanted to extend for one year – and in 2023 he was with the ‘Greens’ thanks to billionaire Lawrence Stroll – and motivated. He drove Aston Martin (behind Alfa-Sauber last year), let it rip in the first six races: third four times, second in Monaco four days ago (despite an extra stop) and in Baku he finished just 0.8 seconds behind the third, Leclerc.

By the way, Ferrari’s only podium so far! Experts marveled at the “new” Alonso. Happy, ready to fight, smiling and grateful too: “It’s just nice for me to be in a competitive car again – and to annoy the young drivers a bit!”

Victory and pole – ten years ago

Alonso turns 42 on July 29 and is finally aiming for his 33rd victory – his first here in Barcelona since 2013 with Ferrari. And his last and so far 22nd pole position is even further back – Hockenheim 20122nd winner. Alonso had 19 teammates, the heaviest in 2007 with Hamilton in his debut season).

They disagreed so much at McLaren-Mercedes that both took 109 points – and Raikkonen (110) is still the last Ferrari champion!

Source : Blick