GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN F1/2010 – SUZUKA 10/10/2010 – SEBASTIAN VETTEL AND MARK WEBBER WITH ADRIAN NEWEY AND FERNANDO ALONSO © PHOTO ERCOLE COLOMBO
According to F1 statistics, Alonso’s potential as a five-time or six-time F1 world champion could have been realized if the cars designed by Newey had not interfered. On three occasions, while driving for Ferrari, Fernando finished second to Sebastian Vettel during Red Bull’s early dominance in F1 about a decade ago.
Before his next home Grand Prix, the Spanish news agency EFE questioned Alonso about the possibility of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2024 being revived, with Ferrari, McLaren, and possibly Mercedes reducing the gap to Red Bull and their three-time F1 world champion, Max Verstappen.
Alonso responded by stating, “No. This will be Verstappen’s fourth world title. There will be more race winners: McLaren is strong. Ferrari also seems to have the best car in many races… but over the course of 24 races, those who make fewer mistakes will be Verstappen and Red Bull.”
This led to a discussion about Newey’s influence. When asked for his opinion on the renowned designer, Alonso expressed his admiration, stating, “I have a lot of respect for him… He is a formidable rival who has helped all teams improve. He has always encouraged us to seek better versions of ourselves.”
“Now that he is available on the market, it is natural for everyone to want, or dream, of the possibility of working with him. However, based on rumors and what is being said, it seems that he is close to reaching an agreement with Ferrari. So, we will have to wait and see. Regardless of his decision, he will be welcome.”
Although Alonso has never had the opportunity to race in an F1 car designed by Newey, he has a deep admiration for the designer. He explained: “We have a very respectful relationship. Both of us have publicly expressed our admiration and respect for each other’s work. But beyond that, there’s not much more.”
When asked if it would be fair to say that Newey was Alonso’s biggest rival throughout his two-decade F1 career, the Spaniard laughed and replied: “Certainly, because during my time at Ferrari, Red Bull was the dominant force, with Vettel and Webber. Either of them could win any race.”
Reflecting on his illustrious F1 career, it is disappointing for Alonso that his last Grand Prix victory, out of a total of 32, was in his home Grand Prix in Spain in 2013. One year later, he left Ferrari to join McLaren and has not won a race since then.
Naturally, the veteran with 387 starts in GPs fondly remembers his last podium victory in Montmeló. He stated: “Winning at home is always more special than winning elsewhere. I vividly remember the 32nd victory in Barcelona. It was a race with numerous pit stops and significant tire degradation… I was able to hold the Spanish flag on the way back to the pits. It was an incredibly emotional weekend.”
Alonso’s move from Alpine to Aston Martin was well-timed, and he quickly regained his podium form with a strong car early last year. However, his team has faced difficulties since then and has not been able to recover. The brilliant form they showed at the beginning of 2023 has not been seen again.
While Alonso prepares for his 21st Spanish Grand Prix, he acknowledges the challenges he faces without a car capable of competing for a podium. Realistically, he expects to finish between 8th and 12th place, which has been his team’s natural position this year.
Last year, after nine rounds, Aston Martin was in 3rd place in the standings with 181 points. However, they currently find themselves in 5th place with only 58 points as they approach the 10th round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. Will the team be able to reverse their luck?
Despite the difficulties, Alonso remains hopeful. With 24 races in the season and only nine completed so far, he believes there is still a chance for things to change. He is optimistic that the team will finish the year on a high note.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo scored another impressive goal during yesterday’s match. With his incredible skill, Ronaldo left the fans in awe and secured the victory for his team. The player, known for his impeccable technique, once again showed why he is considered one of the best in the world.
The match started evenly, with both teams seeking the goal. However, it was Ronaldo who opened the scoring in the 15th minute of the first half. With a powerful shot from outside the box, the striker hit the angle and left the goalkeeper with no chance of defense.
After the goal, Ronaldo continued to be the highlight of the match. With his speed and skill, he dribbled past several opponents and created several goal-scoring opportunities for his team. In the 30th minute of the second half, the superstar scored another goal, increasing his team’s advantage.
Despite the pressure from the opposing team in the final minutes, Ronaldo and his team managed to hold onto the result and left the field with a victory. With yet another brilliant performance, the player showed that he still has a lot to offer to football and left the fans eager for more moments of genius.
Ronaldo and his team’s next challenge will be against one of the main rivals in the championship. The fans are excited and expect another great performance from the star. Will he be able to repeat the feat and secure another victory for his team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to enchant the world with his unparalleled talent.
