Pedro Martínez de la Rosa , after seeing how Fernando Alonso said last weekend that he still had room for improvement, could not help saying it: ” It’s over .” And it is that the experts consider that the Asturian is back and, whatever he says, he too. If not, he would not get out of the car to allow Guanyu Zhou to get into Formula 1 for the first time in Free Practice 1 of the Austrian Grand Prix .
Fernando Alonso is not only left over but he seems a better partner than he has ever been. If someone had to get out of the car so that Guanyu Zhou could get on it was him since Esteban Ocon has not scored three consecutive races. Despite the fact that Alpine has rewarded his good start to the season by renewing him until 2024, having gotten him out of the car would have been a setback for him now that he has been clearly overtaken by Fernando Alonso .
In addition, for Guanyu Zhou it has been more special that it was the Spanish who gave him this opportunity. “It is going to be a very special moment . I am preparing as much as I can to be ready and to make sure that I am able to complete all the objectives set by the team, ”declared the 22-year-old Chinese rider. “It’s going to be even more special because of driving Fernando’s car, as he inspired me to try to be a racing driver when I was young, ” added Guanyu Zhou.
The companionship of Fernando Alonso
Precisely Fernando Alonso made allusion several weeks ago to his reputation as a bad partner: “ I laugh at that . This is the third time that I have driven for Renault. At McLaren I had two stages. I have been in different teams and I have repeated. Apparently they have always been happy with me because if not, you will not call me again . With Fisichella I keep talking. From Trulli, who lives in Lugano, I received a call when I had the accident offering any kind of help. The same with Stoffel, Jenson, with Esteban ”.
“Esteban has been driving a kart this week. That kart, from FA, I sent him to drive us together and this morning we have been talking about it. That’s why I am telling you. It’s something I laugh at because all my teammates have always been good people and good friends , not only when sharing a team, but also in the rest of my career, “he added about Ocon. “On many occasions, this reputation comes in handy, because when my colleagues later discover that I am normal , they are happily surprised”, concluded Fernando Alonso .
The good duo between Alonso and Ocon
Esteban Ocon himself has also spoken about it: “ Many people have told me many things about him, but what I see from the inside I am enjoying it . It is a total collaboration so far, Fernando is very honest and when he says something it is because he thinks so. Within the team, too. We make similar comments about the car and I think it is working well, it is being very nice to me so far .
Fernando Alonso has even broken a spear in favor of Esteban Ocon. When asked about his renewal until 2024 and about where he saw himself that year, he pointed out: ” I will be here, surely … as his partner .”
Alonso has nothing to prove
Beyond driving, ‘Alonso’s leftover’ is helping Esteban Ocon , Guanyu Zhou and the rest of the team grow. “ Renault is Fernando’s home, but I want to use his experience to help us all grow . He has a different role than he did 15 years ago. He is the godfather of all. The only thing I ask of him is to help us become a leading team because it is about attitude and mentality and he has them ”, said Luca de Meo justifying his signing. “He is the kind of person we need to grow as a team, to become a top team ,” added the president of the Renault Group.
Something that is also allowing Fernando Alonso to run so well is that he is aware that this year he will not fight for victories. His goal is set in 2022, the year in which the long-awaited rule change will come into effect, and he is currently competing without pressure. Nor does it seem that he will run under pressure next season since, as he has recognized, he has nothing to prove: “ It is not about proving anything. I was already quite satisfied with how everything was in my career in Formula 1 ”.
