Fernando Alonso believes he is performing at his optimum level in Formula 1 this year as he can produce unexpected results in similar vein to his earlier career.
Alonso returned to F1 in 2021 with Alpine after a two-year break, finishing in the top-10 in the drivers’ standings in an impressive first year back in the series.
The two-time world champion’s form has remained strong this year, with several points finishes and a first front row start for 10 years at last month’s Canadian Grand Prix.
But Alonso’s points tally could have been higher had reliability issues and post-race time penalties not cost him dearly, as he currently sits 10th in the drivers’ championship 23 points behind team-mate Esteban Ocon.
While Alpine is not in a position to challenge for race wins, Alonso is enjoying trying to extract the maximum potential of both himself the team’s package.
“I miss winning, and I miss the feeling of fighting for podiums and bigger things, yes,” Alonso said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “But, at the same time, I’m enjoying also, because it’s a race against yourself in a way and trying to be a better version of myself, than what I was in 2019.
“I think last year, I was performing at a decent level. Okay, not at my 100% I will say, and this year I feel at my 100%.
“I feel that I can put some performances that maybe are not expected, and that kind of thing has been always my strength all over my career. I feel that I’m back to that level, so that probably makes me very proud of this comeback.”
Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer feels Alonso’s determination and positive attitude is proving a real morale booster to everyone in the team.
“I haven’t worked with him in the past, this is my first year, but from what I can see he still loves racing,” said Szafnauer.
“He’s a massive competitor, he loves competing and I think in life in general, you’re happy when you exceed expectations. So if your expectations are realistic and you exceed them, you’re happy in life. Not just Fernando, I think all of us.”
Alonso’s contract is set to run out at the end of the season, but the Spaniard has stressed he is happy to wait until the summer break to holds talks over a new deal.
Alpine has already hinted it wants to retain Alonso beyond 2022, but he is refusing to take anything for granted.
“It’s never a guarantee that you will stay,” said Alonso. “We have to agree on something I think over the break.
“In the next weeks or whenever, I will sit down with the team and see what are their expectations. Also, what is the next step on the project as well? I feel happy. I feel at home in Alpine. But there is no guarantee of anything for sure.”
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