Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has described the dramatic nature of the 2021 title battle between Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as a “great advertisement” for Formula 1.
Mercedes and Red Bull were locked in an intense battle throughout the entirety of the 2021 season, with Hamilton and Verstappen clashing several times en route to the title decider in Abu Dhabi.
Following a late and controversial Safety Car, Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to become F1 champion for the first time.
Rossi appreciated the spectacle that the title fight produced, admiring the efforts of all involved.
“First of all, congratulations to Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton and Meredes for this fantastic end to the season,” Rossi said.
“It was a brilliant cap to an exciting year in Formula 1 and the perfect advertisement for the entertaining sport we are privileged to compete in.”
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The Frenchman also believes that the exhilaration of witnessing an historic season could be a catalyst for Alpine’s success in F1.
“The drama they created only makes us hungrier to be at the front of the grid fighting for wins and championships in the near future. That is our ultimate goal and we will not stop our hard work to achieve it. Our Abu Dhabi race was a fitting end to what has been a memorable campaign.”
The Enstone-based Alpine team took their first win since 2013 with Esteban Ocon in Hungary, while team-mate Fernando Alonso claimed a podium in Qatar, helping the team finish fifth in the Constructors’ Standings.
Rossi is proud of the efforts of his team this year:
“Both Fernando and Esteban fought hard and worked hard to score points for both of them. Thanks to them, the strategists, the pit stop team and everyone at Enstone and Viry who have contributed to this success and to consolidating fifth in the championship.”
Rossi went on to wish his team an enjoyable and deserved rest before the vital winter period, to be ready and competitive under the new regulations next season.
“I hope everyone in the team enjoys a good Christmas break while we look out for opportunities in the future, especially starting next year with the rule changes.
“Thanks to everyone on both sides of the Channel for a great season, capped off with memorable races, including Fernando’s podium and Esteban’s win. We want to create more memories and moments like these and we will remain motivated, but humble to achieve our goals,” concluded Rossi.
Alonso and Ocon scored 29 points finishes between them in 2021, ending up 10th and 11th respectively in Drivers’ Championship.
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