Alonso performing at 'my 100%' in 2022 F1 season

Fernando Alonso believes he is performing at his optimum level in Formula 1 this year as he can produce unexpected results in similar vein to his earlier career.

Alonso returned to F1 in 2021 with Alpine after a two-year break, finishing in the top-10 in the drivers’ standings in an impressive first year back in the series.

The two-time world champion’s form has remained strong this year, with several points finishes and a first front row start for 10 years at last month’s Canadian Grand Prix.

But Alonso’s points tally could have been higher had reliability issues and post-race time penalties not cost him dearly, as he currently sits 10th in the drivers’ championship 23 points behind team-mate Esteban Ocon.

While Alpine is not in a position to challenge for race wins, Alonso is enjoying trying to extract the maximum potential of both himself the team’s package.

“I miss winning, and I miss the feeling of fighting for podiums and bigger things, yes,” Alonso said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “But, at the same time, I’m enjoying also, because it’s a race against yourself in a way and trying to be a better version of myself, than what I was in 2019.

“I think last year, I was performing at a decent level. Okay, not at my 100% I will say, and this year I feel at my 100%.

“I feel that I can put some performances that maybe are not expected, and that kind of thing has been always my strength all over my career. I feel that I’m back to that level, so that probably makes me very proud of this comeback.”

Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer feels Alonso’s determination and positive attitude is proving a real morale booster to everyone in the team.

“I haven’t worked with him in the past, this is my first year, but from what I can see he