Alonso showing why he is still in love with F1 - Brawn

Ross Brawn believes Fernando Alonso is proving he remains in love with Formula 1 following a superb comeback season that culminated in him ending a seven-year wait for a podium in Qatar on Sunday.

Alpine gambled on a one-stop strategy at the Losail International Circuit despite tyre issues that resulted in four punctures for other drivers in Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas, Lando Norris at McLaren and Williams duo Nicholas Latifi and George Russell.

Finishing third behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in his Red Bull, it was Alonso's first trip to the podium since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard also became only the third driver over 40 in the last 35 years to achieve the feat after Michael Schumacher at the 2012 European GP and Nigel Mansell in the 1994 Australian GP.

Writing in his regular post-race column, F1's managing director motorsports Ross Brawn proclaimed Alonso as his "driver of the weekend".

Brawn added: "Like Lewis, he dialled into the track very quickly and got the car working well.

"That Alpine looked good all weekend. He’s just enjoying himself so much. He’s in his element.

"I’m a big fan of Fernando and I’ve always felt frustrated he only won two world championships for someone of his talent."

Describing him as "hugely talented", Brawn added: "He’s a man who is still in love with F1 and it shows.

"Maybe the perspective he’s got now, after some time away from the sport, might be helping.

"It’s brilliant to see him up there on the podium and brilliant to see Alpine doing so well at the weekend.

"Will it entice him to stay around for a while longer? Who knows? I think we all want Fernando around for a while. He’s driving very well.

"He deserves to be there, there’s no question about that. It’s great for the sport, great for the fans, great for everyone."

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