"He never underperformed" - Fernando Alonso recalls epic Michael Schumacher F1 rivalry

Fernando Alonso has spoken candidly about his rivalry with seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Alonso went head-to-head for the title with Schumacher in ﷽the German’s final year with Ferrari.

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Alonso, driving for Renault at the time💮, ultimately came out on top in a dram🉐atic end to the season.

Before that, Alonso and Schumacher shared a number of battles as Ferrari’s dominance ended, while Renault enjoyed an upwards trajectory. 🎃;

Speaking in an interview on Aston Martin’s website, Alonso reflec💫ted on his rival𓆉ry with Schumacher, explaining what he learnt from him.

“Michael didn't have bad days,” he said. “Michael n⛦ever underperformed. “That's what impressed me most when I got to Formula One and especially when I fought with himඣ for the championship.

“Previously, in all my career and different categories, my rivals had some bad days and those were the days when you would capitalise – you would score many more points than them. With Michael, that didn't happen. He and Ferrari were unbeatable most of the time, but even when they didn'ꦰt have the car, the tyres, or whatever working🌸 in the right window, Michael still finished second or third. 

“Even after a bad free practice or a bad qualifying, you would still find Michael on the podium on Sunday. He had this tenacity, this willingness to exploit any opportunity – to minimise the damage on the bad days and maximise the g𒆙ood days. His determination was outstand🍃ing.”

Fernando Alonso (ESP), Alpine F1 Team Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 22, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu
Fernando Alonso (ESP), Alpine F1 Team Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 22, Abu Dhabi Grand…

Alonso was also asked if he thought he was t𝕴he𒅌 best driver in F1.

He replied: “Nobody knows the answer 🌜to that question. Every season we keep changing op🍷inion.

“We🍸 thought for many years that Michael Schumacher was unbeatable and had maybe reached a level that n꧒o one had in the history of F1. 

“But, 🐼throughout the history of the sport, we've seen different drivers dominating💯 – it's impossible to compare them. 

“What I do know is that I always try to give my maximum. I'm never demotivated. It doesn't matter whether I'm fighting for fifth or 15th, for me, it's like fighting for the win because I have to make sure that I give 100 per cent on every lap of every race.”
 

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