Fernando Alonso finds his form at Belgian GP after disappointing races

Author: Barkha Roy

In a triumphant return, Fernando Alonso put in an impressive performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing fifth place for Aston Martin. The Spanish driver’s solid result came after two consecutive disappointing weekends in Great Britain and Hungary, where he faced several challenges and setbacks.

Alonso’s frustration during the Spa race weekend was further compounded when he qualified in a disappointing 15th place. His teammate, Lance Stroll, caused a red flag during qualifying, affecting Alonso’s chances. The veteran Spaniard suffered a spin at the start of the sprint, further adding to the uphill battle he was facing.

However, Alonso’s determination and skill shone through in the main event, as he made a remarkable leap from ninth to sixth place on the first lap. He gained another position when his fellow countryman, Carlos Sainz, had an accident. Alonso attributed his success to the exceptional work of his team, praising their strategic decisions and pit stops.

When asked about his good form on Sunday, Alonso expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance. He revealed that the team had made some crucial changes to the set-up to solve the problems faced in Hungary and at Silverstone. These changes paid off, as the car seemed “more normal” and competitive, which boosted his confidence and motivation.

The challenging race weekend in the rain made it difficult for the drivers to find their rhythm. Alonso acknowledged that McLaren was the only team that seemed to be well prepared for the changing track conditions. Despite the uncertainties, Alonso was fortunate to gain positions at the start of the race and managed to keep strong competitors, including a Mercedes and a McLaren, behind him.

Reflecting on the first half of the 2023 season, Alonso expressed his satisfaction with the dream start. Aston Martin is currently in an impressive third place in the constructors’ championship, ahead of Ferrari. Alonso himself is tied for third place in the drivers’ championship, alongside the legendary Lewis Hamilton. This amazing feat was unimaginable during the opening race of the season in Bahrain.

At 42, Alonso defied age stereotypes, emphasizing that experience and motivation are more important than youth in Formula 1. He drew parallels with drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, currently at AlphaTauri, who have achieved success through experience and shrewd decision-making.

As Formula 1 heads into the summer break, Alonso’s resurgence serves as a morale boost for the team. With the car feeling more competitive and normal, the outlook for the rest of the season looks promising for Aston Martin.