Fernando Alonso became the eighth different Driver of the Weekend winner so far in 2017 after finishing sixth in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver produced one of the few passes of the race to get by Carlos Sainz Jnr and set the fastest lap on the penultimate tour. More than half of F1 Fanatic readers named him their top driver of the event.
Alonso joins Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, Pascal Wehrlein, Carlos Sainz Jnr and Lance Stroll as the Driver of the Weekend winners from the first half of the season.
Fernando Alonso’s Hungarian Grand Prix weekend
That paid off as he qualified eighth on the grid, which became seventh after Nico Hulkenberg took a gearbox change penalty. Alonso outpaced team mate Stoffel Vandoorne by three-tenths of a second.
In a hectic start, Alonso lost out to Carlos Sainz Jnr. When the Safety Car came in Alonso judged the restart perfectly, lining the Toro Rosso up for a pass, but was edged wide at turn one.
Curiously, Alonso followed Sainz into the pits for their only stops, but was visibly quicker when they rejoined the track. He quickly put Sainz on the defensive at turn one, then got around the outside of the STR12 at the following corner.
The leaders were long gone by now. But with Sebastian Vettel struggling due to his damaged steering, Alonso was able to lap quicker than them on more than one occasion over the final laps, and set the quickest lap of all on the penultimate tour, something which surprised even the two-times world champion.
He finished where the car deserved, but he had to work for it (and actually made a pass on track!).
@George
Alonso got fastest lap on tyres that were as old as everyone elses, and he’d overtaken Sainz with, in a McLaren Honda. Proving he’s still probably the best driver on the grid.
Hugh (@Hugh11)
The track gave the chance to get a decent result in an under-powered car with a functional chassis and he delivered. Clean laps throughout the weekend, limited errors, one solid overtake and fastest lap on race day.
@Pinakghosh
Hungarian Grand Prix winners and losers
Vettel got my vote by a hair’s breath from Alonso.
There was clear visual evidence about Vettel’s leftward skewed steering wheel and on a clockwise circuit he would have to compensate by oversteering on most turns. He would have to slow down at least a little more than planned to carry out the team’s ‘avoid the kerbs’ instruction under those circumstances. He managed it and so did a great job under difficult circumstances.
@Loup-garou
Alonso did great, but with so much at stake, Vettel shone with a couple of top qualifying laps, and nursed a car problem (that could easily cost him) the whole race to the win. Each race lap had to be top notch and it must have been nerve-wracking throughout.
@Balue
And this weekend’s super-sub also earned recognition:
Voted for Di Resta, what he did this weekend was pretty impressive.
@Jaymenon10
Fernando Alonso’s Driver of the Weekend wins from 2011 to date
- 2011 Turkish Grand Prix
- 2011 European Grand Prix
- 2011 British Grand Prix
- 2012 European Grand Prix
- 2012 German Grand Prix
- 2012 Indian Grand Prix
- 2013 Chinese Grand Prix
- 2013 Spanish Grand Prix
- 2013 Belgian Grand Prix
- 2014 Chinese Grand Prix
- 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix
- 2016 Belgian Grand Prix
- 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix
- 2016 United States Grand Prix
- 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix
Driver of the weekend: The Twitter verdict
Just watched #HungarianGP. Well, Kimi and Max, you disappointed me
— Julia Paradowska (@girlwholoveskol) July 30, 2017
So good to see Fernando Alonso getting in the points, and to get fastest lap with that engine is incredible. #HungarianGP
— Llwyd™ (@Llwyd11) July 30, 2017
Can we get T-shirts that say "Jolyon is slower than you"? Asking for a friend. #f1
— Dani_ (@DanielKelly84) July 30, 2017
Full credit to @PaulDiResta on an accomplished day standing in for Felipe Massa. He made great progress. #F1 #HungarianGP
— Charlie Gaze (@Charlie_Gaze) July 30, 2017
So annoying Alonso doesn't have a good car, every race he shows he's better than the car, waste of talent #HungarianGP
— Chunk_4 (@Chunk_25) July 30, 2017
And congratulations to @alo_oficial for fastest lap and best result of the year at the #hungarianGP. Well done, mate ;) @McLarenF1
— myth337 (@LeesMyth) July 30, 2017
Say what you like about @LewisHamilton, he is streets apart the best F1 driver.
— Paul Banura (@pbanura) July 30, 2017
Great to see @PaulDiResta back in F1, shame you had to stop early but great to see you back!
— Harley Le-Tekro (@Harley_FYH) July 30, 2017
Just caught up with race highlights. Love Ricardo's quote. Brilliant drive by both Ferrari drivers. Nice lead into the break #HungarianGP
— Swapnil Gugnani (@Sarcastic__kid) July 30, 2017
I've got to say, the way Palmer avoided Riccardo was awesome.@C4F1 #HungarianGP #F1
— Charlie Sampson (@charliejsampson) July 30, 2017
Since @alo_oficial started driving F1 I support him in every races. Today he finished 6th and Im really happy to see him driving good again.
— Uncle Drew (@andrewsoo97_) July 30, 2017
Are all F1 drivers stupid? Why do they all go for it at the start? Have they never heard of "to finish first, first you have to finish"
— Alastair Dawson (@tephi850) July 30, 2017
Max is just a freaking rookie … will never admit it .. #HungarianGP
— Sanchito Banerjee (@sportify89) July 30, 2017
Considering Verstappen was 5th today despite 10-second penalty, his brain cramp easily cost he & Ricciardo a shot at #HungarianGP win. #F1
— Jeff Pappone (@jpappone) July 30, 2017
What a great #HungarianGP . One of the best battles for ages! Great stuff! Plus kudos to @PaulDiResta @WilliamsRacing
— Emperor the 2nd! (@Emperorthe2nd) July 30, 2017
Great to see Paul di Resta back in F1 today.
— Philip McTeer (@philipmcteer) July 30, 2017
It's difficult to understand why #FernandoAlonso ends up in much slower cars. But it gives us the chance to see just how magical he is.
— F1 God Fan – Duncan (@F1_God_Fan) July 30, 2017
Unbelievable.. McLaren Honda @alo_oficial FASTEST LAP #HungarianGP
— Deda A.A (@Deda_Pistolero) July 30, 2017
Hope Kubica flies in this test and can replace Palmer from Spa, Palmer hopelessly out of depth in F1
— Chris Thompson (@F1CWT) July 30, 2017
What @Max33Verstappen could have done with those 10 seconds podium or might be victory with his aggressive driving #HungarianGP
— Vasim Khan (@iamvkhan12) July 30, 2017
Blaming @Max33Verstappen for his shunt at #HungarianGP shows desparate measure of @danielricciardo It was terrible incident that's all
— Vasim Khan (@iamvkhan12) July 30, 2017
JESUS. I think Max was at fault but 10 seconds?! That's a bit much. #HungarianGP
— MobiusReks (@MobiusReks) July 30, 2017
Al_oficialo So proud of you today (and always) what a racer you are, the king of F1.Enjoy your break, watch you again in a month!
— Madeleine (@englishlady14) July 30, 2017
If Seb wins the title,its a shame imo.Kimi always needs to help him like today.Ham was a gentleman and let Vb77 past #hungariangp #f1 #kimi
— Jimi Välimaa (@ValimaaJimi) July 30, 2017
If you watch @F1 and you're not a @KevinMagnussen fan after today then I don't know what to tell you.
— Dave (@itsmedave) July 30, 2017
Is @McLarenF1 @HondaRacingF1 getting the fastest lap one of the signs of the apocalypse ? #HungarianGP
— Tony Jones (@apjone) July 30, 2017
Go @alo_oficial for smashing the fastest lap and a brilliant P6 & P10 for @McLarenF1 #C4F1 #F1
— Chris Buckle (@MrChrisBuckle) July 30, 2017
Glad to see @McLarenF13 in one and two in today's #F1 race. Well done, Sebastian and Kimi!
— Kristen Crump (@KristenCrump) July 30, 2017
About time the FIA punish verstappen! Kid is a liability! #F1
— James Ward (@JimmyehW) July 30, 2017
Kevin Magnusson what are you doing
"Suck my balls"#F1#HungarianGP— Kyle Milner (@kyletmilner) July 30, 2017
Great for once not to hear HAM complaining after a poor weekend. It's almost unheard of… #F1 #HungarainGP #SkyF1 #Mercedes #Ferrari
— The Pob (@Quemerford) July 30, 2017
Well done to @McLarenF13 for 1/2. .#HungarianGP keep you're minds focused all the way to Abu Dhabi. …
— Dee (Daksha) #208 🏁 (@Nuttymedium) July 30, 2017
I've never liked Hamilton's attitude but giving up his place returning Bottas' favour was a team player move #Respect #HungarianGP #F1
— Ian McGeoch (@eekie1979) July 30, 2017
The last-lap change of position between the Mercedes drivers was one of the big talking points after the race.
While a few felt Hamilton was merely doing what should be expected of him by letting Bottas past for third place, most praised him for his “sportsmanship” – even some who admitted to not liking him.
Awesome sportsmanship from Lewis today, considering the points as they stand, great team player #LewisHamilton #F1
— Andy Edwards (@Andyezra) July 30, 2017
Vettel would not have moved over…… This could be the difference I'm afraid and @LewisHamilton knows it. Fair play though #HungarianGP
— @weybournepne (@weybournepne) July 30, 2017
Lewis Hamilton bottas True gentleman and the greatest F1 drive to ever exist. Phenomenal drive and a gesture of a true sportsman
— Stuart Ridgley (@StuartRidgley) July 30, 2017
Dear #totowolff Don't ask your drivers to EVER do that again. Neither of them gain anything, but lose a lot..#lewishamilton #F1
— John Daramy (@Munku1) July 30, 2017
Verstappen really could have won that race today, Hamilton should have kept 3rd though but fair play for switching back #HungarianGP
— John (@J0hn0AFC) July 30, 2017
So nice to see good sportsmanship – well done @LewisHamilton #HungarianGP
— Kathy Fairclough (@KathyFaircs) July 30, 2017
Lewis Hamilton was very sporting in giving up his place on the podium to Bottas. I doubt he would have done that for Nico Rosberg #F1
— Daniel Jenks (@DanielJenks89) July 30, 2017
Hats off Hamilton, credit where credit due for giving place back. Alonso fastest lap, you are the man! #HungarianGP #F1 #C4F1
— Matthew Carter (@ByMatthewCarter) July 30, 2017
How much more help does Vettel need to win the championship. Should've let Kimi race!#HungarianGP
— Simon (@SlimH) July 30, 2017
10 years ago Lewis Hamilton would have not given back 3rd place #HungarianGP
— TUFF (@novida) July 30, 2017
#Raikkonen should've fought with the team order or at least admitted it. Contrary, #Hamilton's become a man of credibility. #HungarianGP #F1
— Hidemi Woods (@88thplanet) July 30, 2017
It's all nice and friendly at Mercedes but unless they start favouring Hamilton soon Vettel is going to win the championship #F1
— Andrew Harker (@PapaHarker) July 30, 2017
God the amount of discussion. Imagine if Lewis hadn't let him past. Can't please everyone can you. #HungarianGP
— Jaimie McSorley (@Jaimiexxx) July 30, 2017
Fair player of the day was @LewisHamilton @MercedesAMG @sebvettelnews would do the same? @F1 @F1LatinAmerica
— Alfonso Cano B (@alfonsocanob) July 30, 2017
Nice touch by Hamilton at the end of the #HungarianGP #C4F1
— Kaz Laljee (@mrkazlaljee) July 30, 2017
Wonderfully sporting move by HAM to let BOT through—won't look so good come November, though, should he lose WDC by 1 or 2 pts. #HungarianGP
— Matthew Walthert (@MatthewWalthert) July 30, 2017
Tbh, that was great from Hamilton. Well done to Seb though, well managed race considering the issues he had. #C4F1 #HungarianGP
— Laura♀ (@beatupcar) July 30, 2017
#F1 is ill. RAI doesnt attack VET. BOT lets HAM through. VES gets punished. All these should be racing each other. #stopteamorders #noradio
— Pat Quakernaat (@PatQ1969) July 30, 2017
Very noble decision by Hamilton to let Bottas through. But if Lewis loses the championship by 3 points, a lot of questions will be asked #F1
— Edward Connolly (@connollyedward) July 30, 2017
Nice touch that by Lewis. Must kill competitive types to drop points. The #F1 team rules are a bit odd though.
— Milly09 (@milly09) July 30, 2017
Not a great race, shame for Ricciardo but great result for the McLarens and great sportsmanship from Hamilton #HungarianGP
— Chunk_4 (@Chunk_25) July 30, 2017
Proud of the sportsmanship and code of honour @LewisHamilton showed toward the end of today's #HungarianGP. #RiseAndFallTogether. #TeamWork
— Jermain Julien (@JermainJulien) July 30, 2017
I still don't like Hamilton but fair play to him for sticking to his word and giving up the position to Bottas #HungarianGP
— Alex 🏎 (@Alex_BTCC) July 30, 2017
Normally can't stand #Hamilton but pleased he gave #bottas his space back #f1
— K (@silverangel22) July 30, 2017
HAM, of all people, actually kept his promise and gave BOT the position back, yet PER couldn't do it with OCO. Like… Um… #F1
— B. Ale (@uncannyale) July 30, 2017
Amazing gesture by @LewisHamilton can't ever seeing vettel doin that #F1 #HungarianGP
— roy simcock (@boggydweller) July 30, 2017
Anyone who slates @LewisHamilton, watch the #HungarainGP. True sportsmanship behaviour from a World Champion. Not many would do that. #F1
— Andy Pilliner (@Real_AndyP) July 30, 2017
Hats off to Lewis Hamilton, I really didn't think he's give that place back #HungarianGP
— Ben (@Grindle__) July 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/stewnigma/status/891717811025969153
Wow, fair play to Hamilton. Swapping back has cost him points to Seb… that's respect!! #F1 #HungarianGP #C4F1
— Rachel Bridge (@rachelbbridge) July 30, 2017
Fair play, thats probably the most sporting thing I've ever seen Lewis do, I'm shocked #HungarianGP
— Kyle Scott (@KyleFF1) July 30, 2017
What have I just watched in the F1. The Mercs trading places was pathetic. What was that all about? #afteryounoafteryou #f1
— Danny Stewart (@DannyPStewart) July 30, 2017
Impressed that @LewisHamilton let Bottas though, great sportsmanship!Have a good holiday & come back stronger for the 2nd half! #teamLH #F1
— Catherine K. (@Kate00019) July 30, 2017
Very sporting of @LewisHamilton. #respect #f1 #HungarianGP #hungaroring @ValtteriBottas
— Max Phyo (@MaximusTheRuler) July 30, 2017
Bravo @LewisHamilton for coming in 4th. Let's hope it won't come down to that but great display of team sportsmanship. #HungarianGP
— stevean (@dino246gts) July 30, 2017
2017 Hungarian Grand Prix
- Vettel: No need for team orders at Ferrari yet
- 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix team radio transcript
- Alonso is eighth different Driver of the Weekend winner so far
- Dull Hungarian GP still gets better rating than last year
- Hamilton ‘paid it forward’ to his team mate but could Vettel do the same?
Biggsy
4th August 2017, 12:00
The important thing to take away from this race, regarding the ever-difficult task of judging how fast the McLaren actually is, is the fact that they got this 6th place on pure pace, with only one retirement in front of them. Even with their significantly weaker engine, they were 4th fastest team on pure pace. I guess they really don’t lie when they say that the chassis is great. Take into account how much more difficult development is, when you always have to second-guess what’s down to the car and what’s down to the engine, and when you always have to compromise your aerodynamics to make up for the weak engine. If they had more power, they could easily throw more wing on it, making it even faster through the corners.
JohnH (@johnrkh)
4th August 2017, 13:08
I think it also shows how good a driver Alonso is. For all of his past indiscretions and poor choices he is still the best out there.
nase
4th August 2017, 13:41
Still not convinced about that. They were 4th fastest, with a huge gap to the three teams ahead of them, on a circuit where power has a relatively small impact on lap times. Alonso’s fastest quali lap, as well as his general race pace, were in excess of a second slower than Ferrari’s.
There’s no denying that the Honda engine lacks power, but it simply cannot serve to explain why McLaren are still trailing over a second behind on tracks like Monaco or the Hungaroring. The evolution of McLaren’s gaps to the top teams from circuit to circuit does not point to a convergence of lap times if engine power weren’t a factor. In fact, it points to an inherent deficit in the chassis, a deficit that might even be somewhat masked by their lead driver, who seems hungrier than ever.
I’d even go as far as to say that even if the MCL32 had been fitted with a Mercedes or Ferrari PU, and properly designed around it, it would still only rank 4th or maybe 3rd at best.
Biggsy
4th August 2017, 13:48
@nase
That’s the point, if your chassis is 3rd or 4th best, it’s a pretty damn good chassis! Maybe not the best, but it means there’s only 2 or 3 better ones out there.
nase
4th August 2017, 14:00
I’d agree if we were taking about Force India or Toro Rosso. In that case, 3rd or 4th would be really impressive. But McLaren’s infrastructure and financial means are in a different league, they cannot be content with anyone outperforming them in their core competences, much less 2 or 3 other teams.
Also, the McLaren narrative isn’t really compatible with a second-tier chassis. They like to imply, or outright state, that they’d be fighting for race wins if they had a competitive engine. And that’s where I disagree.
George (@george)
4th August 2017, 15:44
If they still had a Mercedes engine I think they’d be able to compete, I imagine they’d slot in between the top two and Red Bull. Their chassis looks relatively better now than it did during their last few years with a Merc in the back, it always looked very stiff and difficult to set up.
SpaFrancorchamps (@spafrancorchamps)
6th August 2017, 11:58
@nase That’s where you make a mistake. The Hungaroring is less about power, but still about the combination power+car+driver. Each part is just weight differently. Silverstone is less of a driver circuit, you’ll normally see all team mates lined up next to each other there. Hungaroring is a circuit where the driver can make a difference. But let’s just leave that there.
Aero is in Silverstone just as important as in Hungary. While power is more important in Silverstone, but still a factor (on every circuit). So the gap closes as power becomes less of a factor, but it’s unreasonable to assume engines are suddenly equal.. more hp is still worth viable time. We’re talking about an 60HP performance gap here.. On aero, you can win time to your opponents on certain tracks, but most time is made up by the engine, on any circuit.
Cristian (@panzik)
4th August 2017, 19:40
There is a way to see others drivers of the week of others season?