US GP: Fernando Alonso believes F1 points finish is realistic
Fernando Alonso believes McLaren has a realistic chance of scoring points in the United States Grand Prix due to the success of its latest Formula 1 chassis and engine upgrades
The two-time world champion has only scored points twice this season, at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, but he believes a third top 10 finish of the year is achievable at Austin this weekend.
"I feel happy and confident in the car," said Alonso.
"It seems we are a little bit more competitive at this circuit compared to previous races.
"We have a very nice opportunity this weekend to get some points and we have to maximise that.
"Yesterday we had a first read on the upgrades and everything seems to be working as expected again.
"So it's another step forward, another step closer to the position we want to be.
"There is still a long way to go but I'm happy with the car so far this weekend, and I really think we have an opportunity to get some points."
Alonso believes his position early in the wet FP3 session was a more accurate representation of McLaren's competitiveness than the 14th place he occupied by the end of the session.
"The first attempt, when we were with everybody on the track, we were P6," he said. "Maybe that is too optimistic.
"But eighth, ninth, we can quite easily be. P14 I'm not happy with, hopefully tomorrow we can have a good position.
"Hopefully we get the chance in qualifying and the race to show our potential that I believe is better here than at previous races.
"This track is a little better for us, and the wet conditions equal a little more the power effect.
"Then the improvements on the car are always working, and moving the performance closer to our competitors.
"Top 10 would be quite an achievement if we can do it, but today I felt happy and confident in the car so I am looking forward to tomorrow."
Previous article
FIA to tender for an independent F1 engine, says Bernie Ecclestone
Next article
F1 drivers back decision to postpone US GP qualifying to Sunday
The forgotten F1 comeback that began Jordan’s odyssey
Before Michael Schumacher – or anyone else – had driven the 191 (or 911 as it was initially called), Eddie Jordan turned to a fellow Irishman to test his new Formula 1 car. JOHN WATSON, a grand prix winner for Penske and McLaren, recalls his role in the birth of a legend…
The squandered potential of a 70s F1 underdog
A podium finisher in its first outing but then never again, the BRM P201 was a classic case of an opportunity squandered by disorganisation and complacency, says STUART CODLING
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
How Verstappen is ruining his F1 title battle with Hamilton
OPINION: The Italian GP clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followed a running theme in the 2021 Formula 1 title fight. Their close-quarters battles have often resulted in contact - and although Hamilton has shown a willingness to back off, Verstappen must learn to temper his aggression
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Two drivers produced maximum-score performances as, for the second year in a row, Monza threw up an unpredictable result that left several others ruing what might have been
