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Esteban Ocon of France and Mercedes GP looks on in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
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Esteban Ocon of France and Mercedes GP looks on in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
This past week, Fernando Alonso made his debut with the Alpine F1 team in Bahrain. Witnessing him take the beautiful blue car out for a spin around the track brought back some memories. But while he was the cup of the tea and the belle of the ball, his teammate, Esteban Ocon, went under the radar.
Of course, if we look back into Fernando Alonso’s past, he has a history of overshadowing his teammates, with the exception of Lewis Hamilton.
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SPA, BELGIUM – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda talks in the Paddock. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
However, the newly appointed team boss, Davide Brivio, prefers to talk about his two drivers in equal measures, “We have a very interesting combination of pilots, I like it. The two left F1 and both came back.”
It is important to note that Ocon made his return a year earlier than Alonso. Not only that, but he is familiar with the car as it carries most of the characteristics from their 2020 Renault challenger. Hence, it is something that the Frenchman can use to his advantage and showcase his pure racing abilities.
“Esteban has that year of advantage with the team and the car, now we can see his real potential,” said Brivio.
Brivio expecting good results from Fernando Alonso & Esteban Ocon
Overall, their driver lineup is a perfect combination of youth and experience. With the Spaniard, in particular, garnering a lot of headlines regarding his renewed motivation for F1. Hence, Brivio expects his two drivers to deliver for Alpine in 2021.
“With Fernando, I see a fit driver, motivated. It is very positive for the team to have this type of driver who encourages everyone to give their best, because that is what he is going to give. That he returns to the most demanding races in the sport shows his motivation,” said Brivio.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Renault Sport F1 poses for a photo with his 2005 F1 title winning Renault R25 and members of the Renault team from the same year during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
“Fernando will have good results and I expect the same from Esteban.”
Alonso has a reputation for chewing and spitting out his teammates. Thus, Ocon knows he needs to start the season on the front foot; else he may find himself staring at the exit, come the end of the season.
Read More – Fernando Alonso vs Esteban Ocon: Which Alpine F1 Driver’s Likely to Emerge Ahead?
