Alonso returns to the F1 podium after 7-year gapReutersFernando Alonso feared he might never stand on a Formula One podium again until the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday ended a record seven-year wait and saw the double world champion hailed as driver of the day. The last time Alonso stood on the podium was as a Ferrari driver in Hungary in 2014, when he finished second, and the 105 races between successive podiums made for the longest gap yet for the sport. Alpine driver Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates winning third place at the Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail, Qatar, on Sunday. Photo: APTo put the wait into perspective, the last time fans saw Alonso on the podium was before Red Bull’s 24-year-old championship leader Max Verstappen — second on Sunday — made his Formula One debut. He started third on Sunday after Verstappen took a five-place grid penalty and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas dropped three from third.

Source: Taipei Times November 22, 2021 18:59 UTC