The two-time world champion returned to the podium for the first time in five races with a brilliant drive to second place in tricky condi♌tions at a rain-affected, red-flagged Dutch Grand Prix. 

Alonso said he considered a lunge on Verstappen’s Red Bull following a rolling restart before ultimatelไy settling for runner-up spot. 

"I did think about trying the move on the last restart but then I thoughtꦅ maybe I cannot exit the circuit, so I stayed calm in second,” the Spaniard said. 

"The energy in Zandvoort is very unique✃. When this race🧜 came [on the calendar] I thought I would never experience a Zandvoort podium because I was not in a position to think about that. 

“And today is going to be very special to share the podium with Max and Pierre [Gasly, th🔴ird]𝔍.”

A stunning start saw Alonso rise from fifth on the grid to third before the red flag was f𓄧lown when Zhou Guanyu aquaplaned into the barriers during a heavy downpour. 

Alonso was then promoted into second when Sergio Perez spun his Red Bull into the Turn𒆙 1 gravel, having also been caught out in the conditions. 

"It was a very, very intense race with the beginning𝓡 in wet conditions," he added.

"We were very fast and we stopped m✨🌜aybe one lap too late but the same as the leaders.

"The car was flying today, very competitive, very easy to drive. In the꧅෴se conditions, you need a car that you can trust.

"And🐟 I did trust💟 the car a lot today, so I enjoyed it."

Following the rไace, Alonso confidently told his team over🍬 the radio: “We will win a race soon, we are getting closer."