Fernando Alonso worried about the reliability of the Alpine car before the race and she really let him down: 8 laps before the finish of the Mexican Grand Prix, the Spaniard stopped and stopped to inform the team on the radio about engine problems.
“Yes, there are always technical problems with car number 14. One of the cylinders failed, the engine lost about 20% of its power, Alonso complained to the Spanish press after the race. – At that point I was 20 seconds ahead of my partner or the McLaren racers, and the race could have been exceptionally successful. In terms of pace, I think Austin and Mexico City were my best races.
At this stage of the season I have reached the pinnacle of form, although judging by the results you would think I am one of the worst. This is frustrating, because it is not bad luck, but insufficient preparation for the race. If the engine does not stall, it is not due to bad luck. In the winter, the team will have to do a lot of work.
This year we have already lost 60 points, and now six more. It only plays into the hands of the opponents, they get more points than they should have earned. Incredibly, if one of the Alpine cars is retired in all races due to reliability issues, it is always the #14 car. This year the engines have already failed five times, plus in Australia there was a hydraulic problem in qualifying and in Austria I couldn’t start at all in Saturday’s sprint.
In all these races I couldn’t earn points, although they deserved, but now there’s nothing I can do about it. It reminds me of the time when Honda became the engine supplier to the McLaren team: in 2015 we lost 72 starting positions due to fines, so now the situation is quite similar. It was only then that the Honda engines failed on both McLarens, and only mine has failed this year.”
When asked if he was already counting down the remaining hours before the end of the partnership with Alpine, the two-time world champion replied categorically: “Yes, absolutely.”
In 2023 Fernando will drive for Aston Martin and become Lance Stroll’s new partner, but it is possible that he will be able to drive a green car for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
On November 22, two days after the end of the season, Pirelli tire tests will begin at the Yas Marina Circuit. Aston Martin will have to field two cars for these tests: one will be driven by Felipe Drugovic, the team’s new reserve driver, and the second will be driven by the team’s lead drivers. There is no official confirmation that Alonso has already been cleared to work with Aston Martin on tests, but when asked if he is in negotiations with Alpine management, the Spaniard gave a veiled answer that could be interpreted as yes.
“I am in charge of my own destiny, it has always been that way!” said Fernando with a smile.
Source: F1 News
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