As a fierce competitor, Fernando Alonso takes no prisoners on the race track, but the Alpine driver admitted to feeling a bit sad after snatching the final point in the Austrian Grand Prix from George Russell.
After a solid drive in the midfield, Russell looked on course to follow up his impressive P8 performance in qualifying with his first top ten finish with Williams.
Alas, a late charge from Alonso ruined the Briton's dream when the Alpine overhauled the Williams with just four laps to go.
After all was said and done, Alonso walked over to Russell in parc fermé to offer commiserate with his rival after the pair's hard fought battle.
"I felt a bit sad for George because he drove an amazing weekend," the Spaniard told Sky Sports F1.
"I was hoping it was anyone but him on that last spot. I had much better tyres, much better traction and I could make the move.
"He will have more opportunities hopefully for podiums or wins in the future."
Assessing his second round of racing at the Red Bull Ring, Alonso reckoned he had made the most of the opportunities that had come his way in Austria.
But the Spaniard already has his mind set on the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in two weeks and the race's novel format.
"I think we have to be happy with a point," Alonso said.
"Obviously it’s too little reward for the job and the performance of the car, but it’s what we could achieve today starting that far back.
"Silverstone is going to be a good test because it is a very different circuit, a lot of high-speed corners and the sprint race on Saturday, so I think we have to be very flexible with our targets at Silverstone and see how it goes."
George Russell wanted a point... Instead, he got a hug from the man who dubbed him a future champion 🤗
So tantalisingly close to that first point for Williams#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/JwTdYRf5YZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 4, 2021
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