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“I Don’t Care, I Will Be in the Dark Side”: Alonso Dismisses F1’s Concern on His Norris Move

Many people had a mixed reaction regarding the inaugural sprint race at British GP. However, the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, has only positives about the new qualifying format.

Alonso, one of the four drivers to start the sprint on soft compound tires gained six places from P11 to P5 after a blistering opening lap. Eventually, the Spaniard was overtaken by Lando Norris on lap six and Daniel Ricciardo on lap nine. And after a hard-fought battle with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, Alonso achieved P7, with a net gain of four places.

Meanwhile, during the sprint, Fernando Alonso’s engineer informed the Spaniard about the warning regarding his alleged movement in the braking area against Lando Norris. By which, the two-time world champion was surprised and claimed he plans to stay on the ‘dark side’.

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What did Fernando Alonso say?

“I was surprised. I never moved under braking, I was moving at the beginning of the straight,” said Fernando Alonso in the post sprint race press conference.

Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – June 24, 2021. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso walks the track ahead of Steiermark Grand Prix REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger.

“But I don’t care, to be honest. I’ve been on the other side, for now, nine races. So, you know, it’s gonna be the same for the remainder of the year. I will be in the dark side,” added the two-time world champion.

The Spaniard claims the first lap charge was the best of his long F1 career

Fernando Alonso claims the first lap charge in the sprint race at Silverstone had been among the best of his long career in F1.

“Yeah, I think the first lap was one of the best. I know there are a lot of first lap performances that are understood like good ones, especially in the Renault days with a very good start,” said Alonso.

Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Styria, Austria – June 25, 2021. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during practice REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger.

“But this one it was not only the start into Turn 1, it was Turn 3, four, six, nine. So it was a more complete lap.”

Alonso will start the British GP from P7, ahead of Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, and the only retirement of the sprint race Sergio Perez. Therefore, it will be an uphill task for the Spaniard to finish in the top 10.

Fernando Alonso currently sits P11, eight points ahead of his teammate, Esteban Ocon. Moreover, the Spaniard secured points in the last four races and will hope to continue his scoring streak at Silverstone.

Read More: WATCH: Alonso Crowns New Name for Sprint F1 Format After Blistering Opening Lap

Can Fernando Alonso replicate his Saturday’s sprint heroics at the main race? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post “I Don’t Care, I Will Be in the Dark Side”: Alonso Dismisses F1’s Concern on His Norris Move appeared first on EssentiallySports.