Third time unlucky? Why Fernando Alonso is already in danger of being written off at Alpine

It is often said in sport – and in life – that one should never go back, only forwards. It seems like no one told Fernando Alonso that. The two-time Formula 1 world champion has left and rejoined teams on a fairly regular basis. Indeed, his current stint at Alpine – formerly known as Renault – is his third at the same team. He’s also had two stints at McLaren, both unhappy ones but for very different reasons.

Yet things were supposed to be different this time around at the French team. Alpine established themselves as a side good enough to at least compete for points over the last two seasons. Having a two-time world champion on the books was meant to take them to the next level.

But Alonso has struggled so far in 2021. He’s finished in and outside of the points twice each and retired once in five races.

Naturally, given the talent and championship pedigree of the Spaniard, questions are being raised over his return.

Mitigating circumstances

Firstly, it’s worth noting that a period of two years away from the sport all but guaranteed there would be teething problems for Alonso at the beginning of 2021.

Drivers who have been in the sport for a number of years are struggling at their new teams this season. In these circumstances, it is understandable that Alonso would be given some leeway.

But even taking into consideration the factors at play, Alonso has looked well off pace.

Indeed, the opening race at Bahrain saw him overtaken by AlphaTauri rookie Yuki Tsunoda before having to retire due to debris entering his brake ducts.

He got a points finish at Imola (10th), but only because Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen was hit with a penalty late on. Otherwise, it was the Finn who took the last points spot on the day.

He finished a respectable eighth at Portugal and appeared to have begun to turn a corner. However, he finished outside the points both at Spain and Monaco.

Outperformed by teammate

Alonso’s case hasn’t been helped by the fact that Esteban Ocon, his teammate, has done respectably well in the Alpine. He finished 13th at Bahrain, but has since managed a points finish in four straight races.

In a cruel twise of irony, it is Alonso who is currently guaranteed a seat at Alpine for next year. Alonso’s deal runs for two years whereas Ocon’s runs out this year.

And while there is no indication from the side that they want a change, they are constantly linked to AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly.

The move makes sense on paper – Gasly is young, is French and has shown the ability to fight for podiums and even race wins.

What’s more, it won’t be the first time the French team poach an unhappy Red Bull driver; see Ricciardo, Daniel for an example of the same.

But on current form, it seems likelier that if Alpine bring in Gasly or anyone, else it will be to pair with Ocon and not replace him.

Things can change, of course. And that is certainly what Alonso will be both working and hoping for.

What can Fernando Alonso do to improve?

The Spaniard had recently said that from the French GP onwards, a “new championship” will begin for him. The reason? He was unfamiliar or hadn’t raced on any of the newer tracks that opened the 2021 season.

“In a way the start of the season is not the best possible calendar for a newcoming driver,” Alonso said.

“I had Imola, I had Portimao, two circuits that I was not racing for years or never like in Portimao, and the guys were racing four months ago in the last year championship.

“And then two street circuits, Baku and Monaco. So, (from) the first six races of the championship four were extremely challenging to get used to.

“From France a new championship hopefully starts for me. But yeah, on the steering side I hope we can get something that I feel a little bit better the balance of the car (with) and more feedback than what I feel now.”

There’s little doubt over Alonso’s past credentials, or the fact that the Alpine is a car that should at least be competing for points.

But for the Spaniard, the challenge ahead lies in proving he still belongs in the sport based on current merit rather than past achievements.