It was an enticing battle between Alpine and McLaren throughout the French Grand Prix, with Lando Norris starting ahead of Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo starting ahead of Esteban Ocon. But the results in the race turned out to be the opposite of the qualifying, as the Alpine duo had a better race pace than their rivals.

Alonso did an amazing job managing the race ahead of Norris in the second half of the race. His race engineer gave him a heads up of the McLaren driver’s pace in the race, but his response was just legendary.

“It’s a long race. If they want to fight, they will pay the price. So I need to do my own race, I think!” said the two-time world champion, talking about the McLarens behind.

Everything You Need to Know About F1 Helmet Visors and How They Work in the Rain

After the race, the Alpine driver explained how he managed his pace in the extreme heat at Paul Ricard. He also pointed out the race was a chess game between them and McLaren.

Fernando Alonso reveals how he managed to keep the McLarens behind

The Spanish legend made an exceptional start as he jumped to P5 after Turn 1. From there onwards, he had a slight advantage over Norris in terms of race pace on both sets of tires.

“It was fun. The start was crucial, probably, to get ahead of Lando. I think [McLaren] have very similar pace, but to be in front of them in the first couple of laps was enough to control the race and to control the pace.”

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I think we played the race like a chess game; we tried to position the McLaren’s close to us and try to have some clear air in front, so all in all… it was a good Sunday,” said Alonso.

WATCH THE STORY: Red Bull and McLaren Quarrel Over 2022 F1 Cars

The battle between Alpine and McLaren looks like it might go till the final race. Currently, the French team has jumped ahead of the Woking-based outfit and stands P4 after the French GP. It is fun to see Alonso being sassy on the team radio in the middle of the race. He just might be the difference maker in the battle for P4 in the championship.