Motorsport / Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix 2006, Fernando Alonso (ESP, Renault F1 Team) and Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault F1 Team), www.hoch-zwei.net, copyright: HOCH ZWEI / Michael Kunkel +++ ITALY OUT +++
Last year, the two-time Formula 1 world champion from Spain showed that with a decent car (specifically the AMR23), he has the potential to be a strong contender. He achieved an impressive six podium finishes in the first six races of his 2023 campaign, where only Alonso was able to challenge the dominance of Red Bull.
However, the engineers at Aston Martin seem to have lost their way. It appears they found a successful concept early last year, but their subsequent updates were a huge failure. As a result, the team has been unable to recover from this setback.
Despite Aston Martin’s struggles, Alonso signed a contract extension at a rather peculiar time. This decision was made during a period when Aston Martin was going through a slow phase and other teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, were in need of a driver of Alonso’s caliber.
In a conversation with DAZN, Fisichella shares his thoughts on the matter: “Fernando has shown his wealth of experience and remains in excellent mental and physical shape. It’s quite remarkable to see a driver racing in Formula 1 at 42 years old and still being so competitive. He has the desire to continue racing in the coming years, which is truly amazing. However, he needs a competitive car that allows him to fight for the championship and achieve podium finishes. Unfortunately, Aston Martin is not as competitive as it was last year.”
Fisichella explains further: “Last year, they had a good start to the season, but the development of their car did not keep up with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. It is a decent car, but falls short in terms of scoring enough points. Therefore, it is a challenge for Fernando.”
Alonso and Fisichella were teammates at Renault when Alonso won his two Formula 1 World Championships in 2005 and 2006. According to StatsF1, Alonso’s career peak was during those seasons.
It has been over a decade since Alonso last won an F1 race. His most recent victory was in 2013 at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he triumphed as a Ferrari driver. This victory came in his 202nd start in Formula 1, and the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix marked his 385th start in the premier racing category.
History has shown that “F1 contracts are made to be broken,” as Fisichella subtly suggests in reference to Alonso’s situation. He recently signed a new contract with Aston Martin, but in Formula 1, anything is possible. Aston Martin is heavily investing in developing a competitive car for Fernando. Although it may be challenging to achieve this in the current year, there is hope that by 2025, the team’s performance will improve. However, Fisichella is unsure if Aston Martin will be able to truly compete with teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.
At this point in the season, Alonso has accumulated 33 points. Last year, after eight races, he had a total of 117 points. Considering that Aston Martin is essentially a one-man team, burdened by Lance Stroll’s below-par performance, which is more of a liability than an asset, this is not a favorable situation.
Regarding his two seasons (2005 and 2006) as Alonso’s teammate at Renault, managed by Flavio Briatore, Fisichella recalled: “After the races, if it was a successful weekend for us, we would go out and celebrate. We had a fantastic time together during training camps, where we put in a lot of effort. We also spent time together during our F1 off days.
“Before the race, we would play cards with Flavio Briatore and our physiotherapist, which provided fun. This helped us establish a pleasant atmosphere, which ultimately contributed to our success as a team, resulting in championship wins.
“In 2005, at Renault, we had a strong bond. We collaborated and had a lot of respect for each other. I was aware of his exceptional driving skills. Unfortunately, I encountered some technical issues after that specific race, which hindered my chances of competing for the championship. As a result, I focused on supporting the team.
“I dedicated myself to helping Fernando win the championship. I did my best to secure the Constructors’ Championship for the team. Fernando was a nice person and, together, we functioned exceptionally well as teammates. There was a positive atmosphere between the two of us, Briatore, and the whole team,” recalled 51-year-old Italian Fisichella.
For more insights from Fisichella on Hamilton’s possible move to Ferrari and the anticipated F1 Silly Season in 2025, click here>>>
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In shocking news, a new discovery about the world of sports has come to light. It appears that a famous football player is involved in a doping scandal. Evidence indicates that the player has been using banned substances to enhance his performance.
According to reliable sources, the player in question was caught in a recent doping test. The results revealed the presence of illegal substances in his system. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the player and the sport in general.
The player, who has not been named, has had an impeccable reputation so far. He is known for his exceptional skills on the field and for being one of the best players of his generation. However, this revelation could tarnish his career and cast doubt on all his achievements.
The news of the doping scandal spread quickly on social media, with fans and experts expressing their surprise and disappointment. Many wonder how such a talented player could get involved in illegal practices that compromise the integrity of the sport.
Sports authorities are investigating the case and promise to take strict action against the player if the accusations are confirmed. The doping scandal is another example of the challenges faced by the world of sports, which constantly struggles to maintain its credibility and ensure a fair environment for all competitors.
As more information emerges about this scandal, we will be updating our readers with the latest developments. Stay tuned for more details on this evolving story.
