Alonso's magic fading: Jordan questions Spaniard's form

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Fernando Alonso's once-resurgent Formula 1 career appears to be hitting a stumbling block, according to former team owner Eddie Jordan.

The two-time F1 World Champion, renowned for his exceptional driving talent and unshakable determination, has seen a noticeable decline in performance this season compared to the highs of 2023.

Jordan, speaking on the Formula for Success podcast with host David Coulthard, offered a blunt assessment of Alonso's performance.

The discussion began with an analysis of Sergio Perez's struggles, with Coulthard suggesting that even the most accomplished drivers can experience a decline.

“Tell me anyone that has gone for a long career that has just been getting better and better?” the former F1 driver remarked.

Jordan was quick to chime in with his assessment of Alonso's performance.

"You see that exactly with Alonso where, at the beginning of the year, he was awesome," he said. "At the moment, I’d have to look to see where he ends up and whether he’s actually in the top 10 or not."

Read also: Aston Martin basking in ‘huge pressure’ but Stroll is patient

Alonso’s 2023 campaign with Aston Martin – or at least its first part – was a revelation. The team, propelled by the Spaniard's brilliance, secured multiple podium finishes and challenged for top positions.

However, the 2024 season has painted a very different picture, with the Silverstone-based outfit’s contender struggling to match the performances of its predecessor.

Jordan was nevertheless critical of Alonso's expectations.

"As it happens he drove well yesterday [in Belgium], dragged more points for Aston, but at the same time he’s nowhere near the level he thinks he can be at," he added.

The former team boss believes that Alonso's ambitions are still focused – like Lewis Hamilton - on challenging for the world title, a goal that seems increasingly distant with each passing race.

“Because, for him in his mind, he’s every bit as good as Lewis,” commented Jordan.

“He expected to be able to fight with Lewis this year and to be honest, that hasn’t happened and you can’t see it happening for the remainder of this year.

“So I also think about, psychologically, what goes on in these guy’s heads.”

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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.