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NASCAR & F1 Legend Mario Andretti Showers Huge Praise on Fernando Alonso After Qatar GP
On Sunday, Fernando Alonso turned back the clock at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. The veteran F1 driver was in excellent form as he rocketed to 3rd place at the new venue. This shattered a seven-year podium drought and delighted the Spanish double world champion. Additionally, his sensational performance drew high praise from the legendary Mario Andretti.
The Italian-American declared that it was a finely calculated and a well-deserved podium. Furthermore, he insisted that the 40-year-old was the driver of the race. In all honesty, Andretti was right, as Alonso kept his head and stayed ahead of most of his rivals. In addition to that, he pulled off some stunning overtakes in his Alpine Racing F1 team.
Well calculated and deserved podium for @alo_oficial #QatarGP driver of the race in my opinion.
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) November 21, 2021
Of course, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were in a race of their own. However, the dogfight behind them was one for the ages. At one point, Alonso and barged his way up to 2nd, which lasted until a hard-charging Verstappen took over 2nd place. With a podium firmly in his sights, the Spaniard was bullish on the track and even spurred his team. This also included his teammate Esteban Ocon, who he encouraged to ‘defend like a lion’.
Fernando Alonso was sublime in Qatar
Alonso said, “It means a lot this trophy because you are up and down in your career, there are good moments, bad moments, but we show always determination. The dedication that you put into Formula 1, you have to dedicate all your life for this sport. Training, testing, simulator, racing and this passion and this love for the sport, this is exactly why we do this. For this kind of moment.”
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during qualifying REUTERS/Mike Blake
Now, Fernando Alonso will be looking forward to the final two races of the 2021 season. Next on the hit list are Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, so the double world champion will want to close out the season.
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