Alonso's confession explaining why he performs better in races than in qualifying

The record of Fernando Alonso is extensive and successful, although he will always be haunted by the feeling that he deserves more than he has achieved so far. In any case, the Asturian driver has two Formula 1 world titles and 32 victories, as well as 106 podiums and 22 poles.

Precisely that difference between poles and victories, as well as his performance over all these years, has led to him being labeled a 'Sunday driver', someone who is capable of bringing out the best in himself during races, but not so much in qualifying.

"When you fight for the championship, Saturdays carry a high risk of accidents, of impeding other drivers, or making mistakes"

The best car is the key

Fernando Alonso is aware of this and has reflected on the causes that contribute to this perception that the press and fans have of him. And the current Aston Martin driver believes that the key lies not so much in the driver's quality, but in the potential of the car he has in hand.

"I have more victories than poles because I have never had a fast car", points out the Asturian. "In poles, the car is fundamentally important, without fuel and with new tires, so normally the fastest car is on pole. And I have had the fastest car very few times."

In contrast, Alonso argues that "on Sunday there are other factors, you have to start well, you have to conserve the tires, attack or defend at the right moment, make good pit stops... that's where I have stood out a bit more. Although I would have liked not to stand out in anything, to have a fast car and be the most boring driver in the world. But I had to come up with something on Sundays."

A complete driver

The key to success for a driver is not just their speed and natural talent, nor is it enough to work hard. A combination of everything is necessary and Fernando Alonso has always said that he does not consider himself the best in any specific area, but one of the best in all of them.

For that reason, Alonso does not consider himself "a specialist on Saturdays, nor on Sundays, but I do prefer races to qualifying."

"When you fight for the championship, Saturdays carry a high risk of accidents, of impeding other drivers, or making mistakes. But on Sundays, points are distributed and that is where I have always focused more to make good performances," he concludes.

Throughout his 22 seasons in Formula 1, Fernando Alonso has been able to leave us in awe during qualifying, but there is no doubt that his greatest qualities shine on Sundays. When adaptability, intelligence, and daring are most rewarded.

Fuente: As.comFotos: Aston Martin F1