How Alpine would have tackled Lewis Hamilton had Fernando Alonso's defence failed

Alonso and Hamilton in Hungary — Photo: © LAT Images

Alpine

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How Alpine would have tackled Hamilton had Alonso's defence failed

Hamilton had joined the leading battle by the chequered flag in Hungary

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 11 August 2021 11:00

Alpine sporting director Alan Permane has revealed how the team would have fought off Lewis Hamilton had the Mercedes driver not been held up by Fernando Alonso in Hungary.

Esteban Ocon secured a maiden F1 victory at the Hungaroring after holding off Sebastian Vettel, who was later disqualified, but Hamilton had charged through to third by the end of the race.

Ocon's team-mate Alonso thwarted Hamilton's advances for 11 laps to ensure there was just enough of a buffer for the Frenchman to win.

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But Alpine had devised a clever DRS strategy just incase the Mercedes driver had been able to close up.

"I think what we would have done is drop back a bit, given Seb DRS and used that to protect a little bit but we don't know if we would have held him off," explained Permane.

Of Alonso's performance, he added: "Incredible, absolutely incredible. He is happy for us, he is happy for Esteban but I know he is frustrated because he wants to win.

"[Alonso's defence was] undoubtedly crucial. He did 11 laps I believe. If he had gotten past on the first lap, like he got past Carlos on the first time past, I am sure Lewis would have been there.

"Esteban, don't forget, pitted as one of the last people, he had very fresh tyres, he was in control in that last stint but who knows."

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