Fernando Alonso has labelled Formula 1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix as “one of McLaren’s best races in years” as he recovered from a first-lap clash to take seventh.
Alonso sustained front-right and rear-right punctures on the opening lap after he made contact with Williams’ Sergey Sirotkin exiting Turn 2, the Russian having been squeezed between the McLaren and Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg.
Alonso, having almost hit the pit entry wall as he came in for repairs, dropped to 18th position, but rose through the order and benefited from the second Safety Car period to move into ninth.
Alonso overhauled Williams’ Lance Stroll at the restart and gained another spot when Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas sustained a puncture to take seventh.
Alonso’s result ensured he is one of only three drivers – along with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel – to have scored in all four Grands Prix this season.
“The first lap in the midfield is the same old story; people preferring to crash into other cars rather than lifting off,” lamented Alonso.
“But it’s also up to us to qualify further towards the front, where it’s usually a little bit cleaner.
“On that opening lap, my car was heavily damaged – I had two punctures, with one flat tyre damaging the floor. I also had a damaged front and rear wing.
“I really thought that would be the end of my race, but after the team fitted a new front wing and fresh tyres, I went back out, fought all race long, and actually found the car to be quite competitive.
“We were able to overtake a Sauber and a Renault thanks to the Safety Car, which enabled us to recover a couple of positions. It was one of the best races in years for us, I reckon.”
With team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne rescuing ninth position, McLaren was able to preserve fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship, a point clear of Renault.
Alonso, meanwhile, will make his World Endurance Championship debut at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
