Formula 1 | Alpine F1 widens gap over McLaren with 16 points scored at Spa

At Spa-Francorchamps, Alpine F1 Team secured 16 points and a fourth consecutive double top 10, with Fernando Alonso finishing fifth and Esteban Ocon seventh in a thrilling and action-packed Belgian Grand Prix.

If Fernando went under the checkered flag in sixth place, the post-race penalty imposed on Charles Leclerc gave the Spaniard fifth place and the 10 points that go with it. Esteban had a superb race, marked by many overtakings, and went from sixteenth to seventh place, leaving with six points in his pocket.

Fernando took off perfectly from third place on the starting grid to climb to second position before coming into contact with Lewis Hamilton at Les Combes. Fortunately, the damage was minimal on his A522 and he was able to continue the race. Esteban got off to a cautious start and managed to avoid pitfalls while closing in on points-winning positions.

Both riders had a two-stop strategy – Fernando with two Medium stints before switching to Hard – and Esteban with a Medium-Hard-Medium plan.

Note also Esteban’s two double overtakings, one in the last chicane then the other not far from the finish over Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly at Les Combes, which allowed him to pass ninth to seventh place (photo).

The team remains fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and at the same time crosses the 100-point barrier with 115 units on the clock before the second race – next weekend at Zandvoort – of this triple confrontation.

For Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal, « We can be very happy with our performance in the race. Taking sixteen points after starting from third and sixteenth on the grid is the result of a very good effort and is definitely deserved. »

“The race was eventful for our drivers, who emerged unscathed from the lively first laps. Fernando was unsuccessful in colliding with Lewis [Hamilton] in the first round but was lucky not to take too much damage. »

« Esteban too had to use his common sense to take advantage of a few opportunities that came his way, which allowed him to get closer to the points-winning positions. »

« It was great to see our two drivers enjoying a brilliant wheel-to-wheel race at times and pleasant to have been able to witness some superb overtaking. Another successful event for the fans, who will have the pleasure of being able to return to Belgium next year, which is very good news for Formula 1. »

« We’ll review the race, see where we can continue to improve, and head to Zandvoort ready to start from scratch! »