Fernando Alonso - Two-lap sprint salvaged Azerbaijan result after strategy "killer"

Alonso, Alpine, Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Alonso - Two-lap sprint salvaged Azerbaijan result after strategy "killer"

Alonso scored his best result since his F1 return in Baku

Ewan Gale

Sunday 6 June 2021 20:34

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Fernando Alonso hailed the two-lap sprint finish ending to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that salvaged a season-best result after a strategy "killer".

The Alpine driver was sixth for his highest placing since his comeback to F1 this season, jumping four positions after the late red-flag period in Baku to score solid points for the French manufacturer.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 if he would have taken the result ahead of the race, Alonso, who started eighth, said: "Yeah, definitely, especially because two laps to the end I was 10th so it was a very productive last two laps.

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"It was fun, a two-lap race at the end and a lot of opportunities. Very aggressive, everybody, at the end.

"We tried to recover places, we did manage to take some good points so I am happy for the team. The weekend was quite solid for us and I think 10th was too little reward after the weekend for us so I am happy with sixth."

Alonso pace struggles a cause for concern

Alonso was one of the first to pit in the midfield battle and despite falling outside the top 10, an opportunistic switch to soft tyres during the first safety car, caused by Lance Stroll's tyre failure, allowed him the opportunity to recover.

"We lacked a little bit of pace, honestly," the two-time champion conceded.

"We tried to be creative with the strategy, undercutting and then taking the opportunity on the first safety car but we missed three or fourth tenths on pace and that was a killer for any strategy so we need to review that.

"We need to make some improvements for the next one. I am happy with today, let's think for the following race next week."