Fernando Alonso was vocal in his frustration after car trouble meant he had to retire from the 2022 Mexico City Grand Prix, a recurring story for the Spaniard this season.
Fernando Alonso was vocal in his frustration after car trouble meant he had to retire from the It was the fifth race retirement in 2022 for the double Formula 1 Champion, who otherwise has been delivering an impressive season at 41 years of age, his race in Austin a clear example of his prowess behind the wheel of an F1 car.
The Alpine driver was running a strong seventh when he lost one of the six cylinders of his Alpine’s engine, and despite try to mitigate the problem for a few laps, the issue became terminal on lap 65.
“Car 14 stops before the chequered flag,” Alonso vented speaking to F1’s official website after the race, “so I think now we lost about 70 points. But it’s pointless to talk about this once more, so let’s see.
“Only two races to go and then a new chapter,” the 2005 and 2006 Champion added, clearly looking forward to joining his new team Aston Martin in 2023.
“I think Austin and Mexico have been the best races from a personal point of view,” he insisted. “Pace-wise, I was like 20 seconds or something like that ahead of the McLarens and my teammate. I felt fast, but once again Car 14 stops.”
Alpine have to score points to secure fourth in the Constructors
In Alpine’s post race media brief, Alonso added: “Unfortunately we couldn’t finish the race today after a strong start, good stints, which meant we looked set to score some good points.
“I felt very fast in both stints, first on the Mediums and then with the Hard tyres. However, we lost a cylinder on the engine with 18 laps to go, which eventually forced us to stop the car despite our best efforts.
“Austin and Mexico were two very good weekends for me, and it’s a pity we didn’t score the points we deserved. We have two more race weekends to go.
“We need to make sure we score more points in our battle for fourth position,” the winner of 32 grands prix concluded.
After Mexico City’s grand prix, Alonso is ninth in the F1 Drivers’ Standings with 71 points, as teammate Esteban Ocon is one position higher, eighth with 82 points.
Alpine still lead McLaren in the fight for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship but by a mere seven points.
Another rocket start from @alo_oficial 🚀#MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/eTMBgudBWK
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 31, 2022