Qatar Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso reveals delight at podium finish after fearing he would not get another one

Fernando Alonso was thrilled after securing his first Formula One podium in seven years at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Alpine driver finished third, behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, for his best result since returning to the sport after two years away.

Alonso’s last podium came in Hungary in 2014, racing for Ferrari, and he admitted he feared that would prove to be the last of his career.

“Finally. We were very close on a few occasions and I was just wondering if I will get one podium again in my career, or not,” Alonso said.

“You never know what is going to happen next year.

“I’m happy that we took this one and let’s see if we can keep the momentum for next year.

“Seven years, but finally we got it. I was waiting so long for this. I am happy.”

The 40-year-old started third on Sunday after grid penalties to some of those who qualified ahead of him, and made the most of the opportunity to finish on the podium in the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix.

Alonso, a two-time world champion, left F1 at the end of 2018. Since then, he has won the Le Mans 24 Hours twice, as well as competing in the Dakar Rally and Indianapolis 500.

He returned to F1 this year, at the renamed Renault team, and he will be lining up on the grid for them next season too.

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