Alonso: Title chances remote against Red Bull but 'not giving up'

©AstonMartin

Fernando Alonso admits that Red Bull currently remains out of reach of its F1 rivals, but the Spaniard isn't giving up yet on his title chances this season with Aston Martin.

Alonso secured his best result of the season in last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, finishing second behind the race's unassailable winner Max Verstappen.

The 41-year-old's fifth podium in six races has positioned him third in the Driver's standings, 51 points adrift from Verstappen but just 12 points behind the Dutchman's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

While Verstappen continues to extend his lead in the championship with each passing race, Alonso isn't conceding the title to the bulls yet.

©AstonMartin

"Let's see. I think in any other of the seasons that I remember, back in the 2000s or early 2010s, I would be leading the championship with the results that I got this year," he said after last Sunday's race.

"But now there is Red Bull and Max dominating every race. Even with great results, you're just stepping behind them, every race. So, I don't know.

"But we didn't have the best car in 2010 and we arrived leading the championship in Abu Dhabi. We didn't have the best car in '12 and we still fight for the championship until the last lap in Brazil. So, the championship is long, and we will not give up.

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"We will need weekends where Red Bull has some issues, like Sergio [Perez] had here [in Monaco] with the DNF or zero points. And if Max has one or two of those, we will be a little bit closer in the championship.

"This is motorsport. Anything can happen. But on pure pace. I think we don't have the chance yet. But we will not give up for sure."

Many in the F1 paddock had reservations about Alonso's decision to leave Alpine at the end of last season and join Aston Martin.

But so far the choice has proved to be a judicious one for the rejuvenated F1 veteran who is enjoying his racing once again thanks to his team's remarkable performance.

"Outside Formula 1 I had a great time in WEC and in Indy as well, but now it is just phenomenal what this team has done in the last winter," he said.

"This car is so enjoyable to drive, so easy to drive, so fast and the whole team is a high-class team.

"Today for example is the first time that I went to the motorhome because we skipped Imola, and just to be in this motorhome and the room that I have, everything is just mind-blowing."

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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.