The Asturian driver has experienced a disappointing and complicated 2022 Formula 1 season, with only two points from four grand prix. Fernando Alonso himself cannot explain how his performances have not been able, for different reasons, to make Alpine higher in the table, and that is because reliability and bad luck have turned their backs on the French box.
During the event in Australia, the two-time world champion was on the verge of achieving what would have been a historic pole position, since he would have been the driver with the longest distance between two top positions in the standings, more than a decade, beating Kimi Raikkonen’s mark between France 2008 and Monaco 2017.
After landing for the dispute of the first Miami Grand Prix, the Spaniard is confident about his physical condition and driving, despite the fact that many criticize his age. Alonso also recognizes that this beginning of the year has cost a lot due to the different events that have prevented him from achieving good results.
“It’s been painful. It’s a bit strange to only have two points in the championship after having probably had my best start in terms of competition for ten years, maybe since 2012,” said the two-time world champion.
“I have felt competitive in these four races, I think we have been quite unlucky with what has happened,” he continued. “A very easy sixth position in Saudi Arabia, problems in Melbourne in qualifying and then in the race, and also on the first lap at Imola, where we went out.”
“I think the results will come, I feel confident, strong and fast, the car feels good, so we look forward to the weekend. It has gone a little badly, but there are races that will make up for it”, explained the man from Oviedo at the FIA press conference.
Fernando Alonso did not have very competitive single-seaters in this last decade, he considers that this 2022 has been the best level he has presented on the track individually: “I have referred to myself and the team, we have been competitive in each session that we have done so far this year. We were in the top six or seven and things happened, like they did in my seasons at McLaren, even at Ferrari or now at Alpine.”
“In the races things happened that were out of our hands, with reliability problems and we couldn’t finish the job, but the car feels fast and I’m confident with it,” said the Spaniard. “There were no guarantees that with the regulation change and the new 18-inch tyres, you need to adapt and gain confidence to give 100%.”
