Self-asserting Alonso: 'I'm one of the best to have raced in F1'

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There's no doubting Fernando Alonso's self-confidence, and the evidence over the years rather supports the high praise McLaren driver lavishes upon himself.

As Formula 1's current statesman, and on the eve of his 300th Grand Prix, Alonso's career review includes 32 wins and two world titles, and a painful shortage of results since he rejoined McLaren in 2015.

Still, the Spaniard reckons he is one of the sport's all-time greats.

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“I am one of the best to have raced in F1,” Alonso said.

“I am probably not the fastest driver in qualifying. I’m probably not the fastest driver in the race, or in wet conditions, but I am a 9.5 in all areas, and I try to benefit from that.”

However, Alonso also laments the many missed opportunities that are also a part of his glorious 18-year story in F1. His spell at Ferrari and the three titles he conceded to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel come to mind.

“There are some opportunities missing. I could have won four or five championships, but at the same time I feel extremely privileged to have had 18 years in F1," he says.

“I have a lot of good memories. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but winning my two championships was definitely the high point.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.