Fernando Alonso says coming second after a difficult season in which he’s secured just one podium prior to Hungary “tastes like victory”.
The Spaniard led at one point, but couldn’t keep the lead after a faster Daniel Ricciardo, on newer tyres, flew past first Lewis Hamilton and then Alonso.
“It means a lot, obviously,” Alonso said. “We’ve had some tough races recently and to see a Ferrari again on the podium is the best news.
“We chose the right thing, to stay out and defend the position the best we could and secure this second place which tastes like a victory for us at the moment.”
Team principal Marco Mattiacci said the team had “balls” to keep Alonso out when it looked as though his tyres would fade much quicker. Alonso too believes they made the right call.
“Ten laps from the end we were discussing if we should stop to secure fourth place but we really needed those points so you try to defend the position as much as you can and maybe finish in fourth – again it’s the same result but at least you’ve had a chance to fight for the podium position.”
