Two-time F1 world champion Alonso returned to the series last year, scoring one podium finish and playing a critical role in team-mate Esteban Ocon’s shock win in Hungary.
But Alonso has been left downbeat at points through the early part of the 2022 campaign, lamenting bad luck that caused him to retire in Saudi Arabia and crash out of qualifying in Australia.
The Spaniard said after retiring following contact with Mick Schumacher on the opening lap at Imola that his start to the year had been “painful”, scoring just two points and by comparison Ocon has scored 20 points.
Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Alonso said he thought he was in the most competitive position he has been for a decade, owing to both his own level of performance and Alpine’s pace.
“Obviously it feels a little bit strange to have two points in the championship, after having probably my best start to the season in terms of competitiveness of the last 10 years, maybe from 2012,” Alonso said.
“I was not as competitive as I’ve felt in these first four races. We’ve been extremely unlucky with some of the events that happened: a very easy sixth in Saudi, obviously the problems in Melbourne in qualifying and then the race.
“And then again in lap one in Imola, we were out of the race.
“It’s a matter of time that the result will come. I feel strong, I feel fast now. The car also feels good. I’m really looking forward to each weekend.”
Fernando Alonso, Alpine F1 Team
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz
2012 saw Alonso fight for the world championship with Ferrari, winning three of the opening 10 races before ultimately losing out to Sebastian Vettel by three points.
Alonso scored his most recent F1 victory at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, and left Ferrari for McLaren at the end of 2014 following a difficult season.
But Alonso’s return to McLaren coincided with the team’s slump, limiting him to a best race finish of fifth place over four seasons before he left F1 to…
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