It would not be easy for Fernando Alonso to fit into Daniel Ricciardo’s shoes as per Sergey Sirrotkin

It would not be easy for Fernando Alonso to fit into Daniel Ricciardo’s shoes as per Sergey Sirrotkin
WhatsApp Image 2021 01 20 at 8.54.19 AM 1
Sergey Sirotkin and Fernando Alonso with Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo exceeded all expectation last season by grabbing two podium finishes for Renault. But will Fernando Alonso be able to do better after his 2-year sabbatical, remains to be the main question. After announcing his retirement from the track in 2018, Alonso disappointed a lot of fans and also his peers. Many suspected he was one of the best. But when last season he announced his return, the former champion has a lot of expectations to fulfil at his new team. 

Renault’s 2020 Reserve Driver Sergey Sirotkin believes Alonso won’t hit top form from the get-go. There is some skepticism surrounding Alonso’s ability to get back to his best given that he is not as young as people expect him to be. But as we have seen earlier, F1 is not a numbers game. 

Sergey Sirotkin on Fernando Alonso filling Daniel Riccairdo’s shoes 

“For me, it won’t be easy for Fernando to get to the level Daniel had left off right away,” Sirotkin remarked. 

“Fernando will have many expectations from the team. But at the same time, the team will have high expectations for him to start the season as competitively as possible. 

“Esteban will have a better understanding of both the team and the vehicle this year. I don’t expect it to be completely overshadowed by Alonso,” said Sirotkin 

While Ocon ended 2020 with only half as many points as Ricciardo, Sirotkin thinks he will benefit from having a second year in the same surroundings and the car. He already took an upward trajectory towards the end of 2020 with his maiden pole in Sakhir. 

“At least initially I think the fight between Alonso and Ocon will be very close. Taking the podium was a great help to Esteban, and it seemed like a big burden taking off in Abu Dhabi,” said Sirotkin. 

Also Read: Esteban Ocon sets Daniel Ricciardo as ‘not’ the strongest benchmark in…