Formula 1's managing director of motorsport, Ross Brawn, has hailed Fernando Alonso's determination and says the sport needs drivers like him.
The Spaniard is not only competing in F1, but is also contesting a full season of the World Endurance Championship which has so far seen him and his team-mates take victory at the season-opener in Belgium, as well as the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Brawn commended Alonso's dedication to motorsport given he will be taking part in 29 race weekends, plus testing, with very little break in between.
"While everyone in Formula 1 is tackling the challenge of the sport’s first ever triple-header with determination and dedication, for one driver, the period has been even more intense," said Brawn.
"The race in Austria marked Fernando’s fourth consecutive weekend on track but there was no sign of weariness from the McLaren driver, who was as keen as ever to fight to the very last lap. In short, in Austria, Alonso once again drove a majestic race.
"Fernando had to start from the pit lane due to a modification made under parc fermé, including replacing the front wing with a version from last year due to a lack of parts, but the two-time champion did not lose heart and managed to take an uncompetitive car all the way to eighth place."
Brawn added that, with rumours suggesting Alonso will switch to IndyCar for 2019 given McLaren's continued uncompetitiveness, F1 would miss such a driver and is hoping he stays.
"In Canada, Fernando crossed the finish line of his 300th Grand Prix entry before going on to win the Le Mans 24 Hours the following weekend with Toyota, on his debut in this event," commented Brawn.
"Who knows, maybe he really is looking for fulfilment outside of Formula 1, but I really hope that’s not the case. He is still immensely quick and Formula 1 needs drivers with his undoubted charisma and talent."
