F1 News
Alpine: 'Hamilton could overtake Alonso due to engine issue'
- GPblog.com
Otmar Szafnauer says Alpine must remain realistic about its position in the Formula One championship. Despite the strong weekend in Canada and the upcoming updates for Silverstone, the team boss does not think it can compete with Mercedes for third place.
Fernando Alonso started the Canadian Grand Prix from a good second place and was understandably ambitious about his chances in the race. Yet the two-time World Champion could not convert his strong starting position into a podium. He saw his compatriot Carlos Sainz pass him early in the race and later on could not prevent Lewis Hamilton from passing him as well.
Alpine does not expect a battle with Mercedes in the championship
Hamilton's successful overtaking, however, was partly due to an engine problem in the Alpine, Szafnauer said. He suspected he could compete with Mercedes, even on dry tarmac. "But as it turned out later, they were able to overtake us due to circumstances. We had a problem with Fernando's car, that's why he fell back behind Esteban," the American said in conversation with Formule1.com.
He is under no illusions that the teams will be evenly matched in the championship. Szafnauer urges his team to be realistic: Alpine cannot fight for third place, but will focus on the fight for fourth place in the constructors' standings. However, the team boss does hope to battle it out with Mercedes again at Silverstone.