The return of Fernando Alonso to Formula 1 has not gone as well as expected. According to the Asturian, it has only been at 80 percent. Even so, it would have been of little use for him to perform at the top, since both he and Esteban Ocon have made the most of an Alpine, which runs with the 2019 engine. That is why Fernando Alonso considers this ” transitional ” season to be good. and promises is one hundred percent in 2022 .
“ I am happy . This season has been the return to Formula 1 after two years out of it. We had clear expectations in terms of performance, because we knew that it was going to be a continuation of 2020, the cars did not touch, ”said the 40-year-old driver after being chosen as Best Athlete of 2019 by the Association of Sports Press of the Principality of Asturias.
“ The 2021 regulations were postponed to 2022 and therefore this year was going to be a transition year . For me, personally, in the first races I was not completely comfortable, I started to adapt in the fourth or fifth race. The objective of this season was to have filming to be one hundred percent in 2022 and I think that I will reach one hundred percent by next year ”, added optimist Fernando Alonso.
And, after taking a mass bath in the José Barrera de Pravia auditorium, the Alpine rider hopes to return the affection to the fans in 2022. “ It is always a pride to be at home and receive any recognition . I’m excited because it’s my land and my people. Hopefully we can return joys to them, especially next year ”.
Fernando Alonso and the end of the World Cup
Spanish has not been so optimistic with regard to the end of this course. “ The five races left to finish the year are going to be very similar to the ones we have seen so far . We have 17 and in these five I do not think there will be any revolution in terms of benefits. We will try to continue scoring points, we achieved an incredible streak of 15 races in a row, which was unfortunately cut short in the United States ”, continued Fernando Alonso .
“ We want to add again in these last five races and help Alpine in the fight in Constructores , which always gives a little more morale and enthusiasm in the factories, which will have to work hard in winter with the new regulations for next year. ”, He added in reference to the battle that Alpine has with AlphaTauri for fifth place in the Constructors’ World Championship.
His difficult adaptation to Formula 1
Weeks ago, Fernando Alonso spoke of his slow adaptation to Formula 1. “What I expected happened. I knew that difficulties could come my way. We saw it on Michael Schumacher’s lap. After driving so many different cars, I didn’t know exactly how I would fare again in a Formula 1 car . I always have to comply. People expect that little bit more from me . When I do what my teammate does, it usually comes across as a disappointment. This creates high expectations. However, I am happy with the return . The challenge was great to adapt mentally and physically to these cars. After two years, the neck is no longer used to stress, and I am no longer 20 years old, ”he admitted.
On that occasion, Fernando Alonso reiterated that he was not one hundred percent: “ I would say that I am as good as in 2018 or a little worse . I am not one hundred percent satisfied with my performance, especially on Saturdays. It is still difficult for me to understand where the maximum performance of the tire is . If you do different preparation at the start or run into traffic, the tire behaves differently when you push and start the lap. I still don’t quite understand it. Except for that, everything is fine, ”he said.
On why he was not at one hundred percent, he declared: “ I have two years to go in which the tires have evolved . Second, there is a lack of confidence in the leadership. After Baku it is better, but it is not something I was part of the development project from the beginning. I had to adapt a bit. I hope it will be better next year . Cars will also be very different to drive. Maybe the whole grid needs to realign its riding style . Hopefully I can take advantage of it ”.
Will the 2022 cars be a handicap or an advantage for Alonso?
This is precisely what Lando Norris recently referred to after testing the 2022 car in the simulator: “ It’s a very different car when it comes to driving . In a way it is not as pleasant as this season. I think it will be the same for all teams ”. It will therefore be necessary to see how the drivers adapt to their cars and how he plays in favor of Fernando Alonso, having already faced a similar challenge this season.
