"Let's Raise a Glass to Alonso's Resurgence!"
The Spanish sports publications are cheering for the return of "Alonsonism" while a British former world champ immediately lauded 42-year-old Fernando Alonso as a driver with a brilliant future.
Alonso engineered his reputation as a remarkable driver in Formula 1 by showcasing masterful performance and stunning closing laps during his thrilling duel against Sergio Pérez in the Red Bull's overwhelmingly superior machine at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Damon Hill, the ex-champ, expressed his excitement on social media, posting, "If anybody wants to sign a fantastic up-and-coming driver with an immense potential, there's this guy who drove like an old veteran today." He linked the post to Alonso's handle.
Round after round, Alonso stayed ahead of Pérez in his Aston Martin. The Mexican tried every tactic in the book, and even managed to outmaneuver him briefly. Unlike Michael Schumacher, who remained stubbornly behind Alonso in Imola back in 2005, attempting everything but ultimately failing to overtake him.
Flashbacks to the Imola duel
Unsurprisingly, old memories resurfaced, transporting us back to 2005 when Alonso disrupted Schumacher's title streak in the Ferrari and clinched the championship again in the Renault the following year. Unfortunately for Alonso, he missed out on subsequent title trophies - always seemingly in the wrong team at the wrong time.
At Aston Martin, Alonso took over from Sebastian Vettel in the first place. Although his season started off brilliantly, the momentum slowed down in São Paulo, where 4th place would've been a decent result. However, for Alonso, it wasn't enough. He chased Pérez and the world championship runner-up once more, only to salvage 3rd place by an astonishing 0.053 seconds. This marked Alonso's 106th podium finish. Spanish sports daily 'As' celebrated the milestone and 'Marca' echoed "Alonso's eighth trophy (this season) was a dance reminiscent of Imola 2005."
Alonso's victorious cry and somersault on the podium accentuated the relentless passion that still drives him. "We will always leave no stone unturned, until the last lap, until the last corner," emphasized Alonso, who never lost his zest for a 33rd career victory even after all these years.
If anyone wants to sign up a fantastic up-and-coming driver I think has a fantastic future, there was this guy called who drove like an old master today ?? — Damon Hill (@HillF1)
After shattering expectations at the Brazilian GP, Formula 1 icon Fernando Alonso garnered praises from a British ex-champion as a driver with an impressive future. Alonso's gutsy race against Pérez was reminiscent of his historic duel with Michael Schumacher back in the day.
Source:
Although Alonso's current form is marred by a lack of immediate success, the future seems promising with talented designer Adrian Newey's arrival and a potential works engine deal with Honda by 2026. Alonso remains undaunted by the challenges, aiming for more podiums, wins, and championship titles beyond his time in F1.
