Fernando Alonso — 2021 season

Fernando Alonso's 2021 Formula 1 season with Alpine represented his highly anticipated return to the pinnacle of motorsport after a two-year hiatus, a period dedicated to other racing ventures. This comeback was not merely a ceremonial lap; it was a deliberate re-entry into the demanding turbo-hybrid era, where the V6 power units and fuel-flow restrictions had reshaped the competitive landscape since his last full season. Alonso's objective was clear: to re-establish his presence and contribute to Alpine's midfield ambitions.

Going in

Alonso's return came at a pivotal moment for the team, rebranded from Renault to Alpine. The A521 chassis, powered by Renault, faced the challenge of competing against established midfield contenders while the sport's dominant forces, Mercedes and Red Bull, battled at the front. The initial phase of the season was a process of re-acclimatization. His first race back at the Bahrain Grand Prix ended in a DNF due to brake issues, a stark reminder of the sport's unforgiving nature. Early races saw him often outside the points, as he worked to extract performance from a car that was, at times, inconsistent, and to re-tune his driving style to the specific demands of the heavier, more complex hybrid machinery.

How it played out

The season unfolded as a testament to Alonso's enduring racecraft and strategic intelligence. While the initial rounds saw him grappling with the car and the competitive rhythm, a turning point began to emerge around the mid-season. He consistently out-qualified his teammate, Esteban Ocon, in the latter half of the year, and his race pace improved markedly. Notable performances included a strong run at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished 6th, and a spirited defense against Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which directly enabled Ocon's surprise victory. This particular drive underscored Alonso's ability to influence races beyond his own finishing position, a trait reminiscent of his earlier career. By the season's close, Alonso had accumulated 81 points, securing 10th position in the Drivers' Championship.

Defining moments

The 2021 season for Alonso was punctuated by two standout moments. The first, as mentioned, was his defensive masterclass at the . Holding off a charging for ten crucial laps allowed Ocon to maintain his lead, a display of tactical brilliance that resonated across the paddock. The second, and arguably the most significant personal achievement, was his podium finish at the . Starting from 3rd on the grid, Alonso maintained his position to claim his first podium since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix, a seven-year gap that highlighted the difficulty of reaching the top three in the turbo-hybrid era without a front-running car. This result was a clear demonstration that his speed and race management were still very much intact.