While he says it’s important to be in the best car, Fernando Alonso also believes Lewis Hamilton is the best player on the grid.
Hamilton became, statistically at least, the most successful driver in F1 history in 2020, winning his seventh World Championship and surpassing Michael Schumacher ‘s record of race wins.
However, some feel that his success is largely due to his having the best car on the grid rather than his own ability. Alonso agrees.
“Okay, he has a strong car, but he’s better than his team,” he said Marca.
“You always have to show, he can’t afford a bad weekend, he’s at the top of his game. We hope to be able to fight Lewis soon, not next year, but soon.
“I think a lot of people can win a Grand Prix with that car and they can win competitions in that car. That does not mean anything bad about Lewis as I said, it is one step forward.
“How important is the car? What is it like to be in the right place at the right time? It is very important. This is Formula 1 and it has always been that way, but when you are in that place and then you have to do it and Lewis is doing it better than anyone.
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Alonso will go head-to-head with Hamilton for the first time since 2017 when he returns to the grid with Renault, and he feels as capable as ever.
“I do not worry about anything when I return. I think I’m more mature than ever, ”said the Spaniard.
“The physical tests show that I am as fit as I was in 2010. I checked my driving style to correct any deficiencies, my pace has remained intact and the experiences of Le Mans and Indy gave me very useful data.
“What am I afraid of? Probably a calendar with 23 races. It gets heavy. It means there will be around 20 days off each year. ”
In terms of its goals, it is aiming higher than Renault’s 2020 three-podium draw.
“Renault has achieved three podiums in 2020. I would like to improve on that. Next year I would like something more, ”he said.
“I think we have the talent, the factory and the goal. [We must keep] our feet on the ground because we compete with big manufacturers and big organizations, so we have to do our best. ”
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