While Ferrari broke Mercedes-AMG’s winning streak at the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, Aston Martin, yet again, found itself in the back of the pack. Fernando Alonso’s race ended early, but what’s interesting are his comments from the drivers’ parade before the race began. 

The two-time World Champion engaged in banter with the presenters during the ceremony. He made a self-deprecating comment about the misfortunes of his current AMR26 car.

“I'm gonna stay here to watch the race, it's better (here) than in the car," joked Alonso in Spanish during the ceremony, while also using an air cannon to shoot t-shirts at fans. Autosport reported it in English.

Alonso’s race, as mentioned earlier, came to a premature end. On Lap 41, his car slowed down, went to the grass, and just stopped. He did not get out of the car for quite a while, but eventually he walked away from the scene.

A cloud of smoke emerged from the car, and it was later reported that the car had battery issues. 

Alonso's season has indeed been a frustrating one this year. Aston Martin has struggled badly under the new regulations, and the Spaniard has managed to win just one point from the opening seven rounds. That naturally explains the pain behind the joke he made.

What's worse is that both Aston Martins suffered DNFs at Barcelona, and Lance Stroll's car was the first. The driver entered the pits on Lap 7, with the team reporting gearbox issues, something that also haunted Alonso at the Monaco GP. 

Could Fernando Alonso Have A Last Hurrah At Alpine?

Alonso is in the twilight phase of his career, and when asked about his intentions for the future, he has often stated that his decision will come after the summer break.

That said, with the worsening situation of Aston Martin this season, he is being linked to rumours of a potential return to Alpine. 

Besides Aston Martin’s condition this season, Alonso’s rumoured link-up to an Alpine return has a lot to do with Alpine’s performance in the current season and the involvement of Flavio Briatore, the Executive Advisor to the team, who is also Alonso’s manager. 

Compared to the AMR outfit, the Alpine team appears to be in a much better position, as it switched to the competitive Mercedes power unit after Renault’s departure. Briatore is also said to be a very influential person, as he played a key role in securing Gucci as a sponsor for Alpine. 

Given their close ties, it is being speculated that Alonso might just move to Alpine for a fourth stint, as he will also be out of contract by the end of this season. 

Read more at Motor Culture!   

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason