It is a fact that Esteban Ocon has finished ahead of Fernando Alonso. Eleven points above in the Formula 1 standings. A fight that lasted until the end, but which benefited the Frenchman in Abu Dhabi after the now Aston Martin driver had to leave.
And in the dropouts is the key. Because Alonso and Ocon have not fought on equal terms. There are six dropouts that the Asturian has had, while Ocon he only had to withdraw twice.
Mechanical failures have multiplied in the case of Alonso. “It’s always car 14…”, denounced the two-time Formula 1 champion on one of the many Sundays in which he could not cross the finish line. And so it was. In Abu Dhabi, the last test, he abandoned due to a failure in the water pump.
The Renault engine has been one of the big problems this season. The two pilots have spent six engines, three more than the FIA allows without sanctions.
Those eleven points of difference have been achieved by Ocon winning the race by 8 to 7. He has once again finished ahead (not counting the grand prix in which Alonso had to abandon).
Another very different story is qualifying. There Alonso has been much superior. He reached the Q3 up to 18 times. Ocon only in 12. In addition, the Frenchman was eliminated up to three times in Q1.
Mercedes engine for 2023
The change to Aston Martin will be essential for the engines. Swap the Renault engine for the mercedes engine. A power that tends to fail almost every weekend against another that has been very reliable in recent years.
Alonso has already tested the Aston Martin. Although it will have nothing to do with whoever drives next season. In Abu Dhabi he got into the car of Sebastian Vettelwhich is already history in Formula 1.
