Alonso: 'It was a tense and a good battle with George Russell'

After frustratingly missing out on Q3 on Saturday due to Sebastian Vettl blocking his path and interrupting his run, Fernando Alonso started down in 14th, but made a late charge to finish in the points.

The Spaniard's duel with George Russell was the main attraction in the closing stages, and despite the Williams driver's best efforts, Alonso was finally able to get past and finish in P10.

Speaking to SkySports F1 after the race, Alonso revealed: "It was difficult to score points today and we knew this starting from so far back. We are happy with the point, although we know we deserved more this weekend, but it’s better than nothing."

He continued to say that "it was a tense and a good battle with George [Russell] on-track this afternoon and in the end, we had better tyres and managed to accomplish the overtake.

"On a positive, we saw some good improvements from the team this weekend and the car felt good across all three days here. I feel more confident now going into Silverstone for the next race with the car and the tyres and I’m enjoying being more competitive."

George Russell wanted a point... Instead, he got a hug from the man who dubbed him a future champion

So tantalisingly close to that first point for Williams#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/JwTdYRf5YZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 4, 2021