Formula 1 | Alonso: Difficult for Alpine F1 to catch up with Ferrari in 2022

Fernando Alonso is realistic and believes Alpine is unlikely to close the gap to Ferrari in 2022

With the development war set to begin with European Grands Prix, Alonso says Alpine could have the potential to take a big step forward with its A522 this season, but admits the team is unlikely to be in able to close the gap with Ferrari in front.

Alonso believes he was in contention for a possible podium finish in Australia last weekend, before crashing out in Q3 with a hydraulic problem, eventually finishing 17th without points.

« To keep pace with Ferrari, I think it’s going to be difficult because obviously we’re eight tenths, one second behind at the moment, looking at the first two races in qualifying. In the third, In Melbourne, we should have been much closer if not for my problem in Q3, » says Alonso.

« We have a solid and healthy car for this season, which is always good to develop, » adds the Esoagnol.

« But closing that gap with Ferrari is a little too optimistic – but we’ll see! »

« We have to keep working, and it’s still very early days for these cars, you can find something much bigger than you thought at the start, when you test in the wind tunnel. Maybe you take a big step in before is possible, there is the potential for it, with us and with others. »