Fernando Alonso was overjoyed to finally get a podium in F1 after a seven-year wait, finishing third at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso was delighted to finish on the podium at the Qatar Grand Prix, after a run of fourth-place finishes.
Despite many punctures for rivals during the race, Alonso maintained third place as Alpine decided to go for a one-stop strategy.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull appeared destined to finish third, but elected for a two-stopper and was unable to pass Alonso in the Grand Prix’s closing stages.
“Seven years, but finally we got it,” said Alonso. “We were close [in] a couple of races, but not [close] enough. Sochi was the last possibility.
“Today, honestly, I thought I could be leading after Lap 1. I thought with the Soft tyre I could go at Lewis [Hamilton], but I couldn’t.
“Then with Checo it was very close at the end, so I’m so happy for the team.”
“Alpine deserve it”
Prior to Sunday, Alonso’s last podium came at the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix. After that, he worked for four years at McLaren before taking a break from F1.
On his way to third place at the Losail International Circuit, the Spaniard acknowledged he and his crew couldn’t do much more after coming close to landing on the podium in Budapest and Sochi.
“We planned a one-stop from the beginning, but never knew how bad the [tyre] wear would be,” added Alonso.
“It was quite a well-executed race. The pit-stop was fantastic, the team was great, the reliability of the car was superb and they deserve it.
“I was waiting so long for this, so I’m happy!”
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