Fernando Alonso

Why Haas difficulties spark Alonso Minardi memories

Sam Hall Sunday 15 August 2021 12:30

Fernando Alonso has urged Haas rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin to 'keep motivation' after enduring a tough debut season himself at Minardi in 2001.

Alonso joined the F1 grid with Minardi, the team that was purchased by Red Bull and became AlphaTauri, and achieved a best result of 10th.

At this time, points were distributed only to the top six finishers and the Spaniard reflected on the importance of keeping "motivation high" despite demoralising results.

“I definitely do remember 2001 not being very competitive," said Alonso.

"It is a season you have to deliver your best performance possible but at the same time keep your motivation high because every weekend it is the same result no matter what preparation you do.”

After his year with Minardi, Alonso spent a year in a reserve role at Renault before assuming a race seat in 2003 and winning his first title in '05.

Sitting alongside Mazepin, Alonso said: “Sometimes you are extremely proud and happy with the performance and some other weekends you are a little bit disappointed, but the final result is always the same.

“From the outside, you don’t see any differences [but] it’s a nice preparation for future events and from the difficulties, you normally learn more than from the success.

"So it is for sure a good season anyway for him and for Haas in general.”

Latest News

F1 on TV

Sky F1 coverage update issued after Germany sale confirmed

Yesterday 22:56

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo issues retirement update as ex-F1 star makes surprising public appearance

Yesterday 21:56

Red Bull

Red Bull chief Christian Horner fires warning shot at Yuki Tsunoda after Austrian GP nightmare

Yesterday 20:54

Latest F1 News

F1 boss issues verdict on MULTIPLE British races

Yesterday 19:59

British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton destined for sensational Ferrari podium at British Grand Prix

Yesterday 18:55

Max Verstappen

F1 insider claims new Max Verstappen 'exit clause' active as Mercedes look to snatch Red Bull star

Yesterday 17:57

More news

FIA issue Lando Norris disqualification verdict at Austrian Grand Prix

29 june

250.000+ views

F1 News Today: Austrian Grand Prix race result confirmed as FIA issue Lando Norris disqualification verdict

1 july

200.000+ views

FIA announce George Russell punishment verdict at Canadian Grand Prix

14 june

150.000+ views

FIA announce harsh McLaren penalty verdict after Oscar Piastri incident at Canadian GP

14 june

150.000+ views

Lewis Hamilton disqualification proves McLaren are real deal at Austrian Grand Prix

1 july

150.000+ views

Mercedes F1 star hit by FIA deleted lap ruling after Canadian Grand Prix

16 june

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Why Haas difficulties spark Alonso Minardi memories

Why Haas difficulties spark Alonso Minardi memories