Alonso clear on goal this year: ‘I want to win a race’

Fernando Alonso did not do his famous start in Canada and could not challenge Max Verstappen into Turn 1, moreover, he lost a place to Lewis Hamilton. Despite that, the Spaniard was the second fastest driver in Montreal, and overtook Hamilton to finish in P2.

"Close, the closest I think. Our most competitive race of the year for sure," Alonso told Sky Sports following the his second place finish in Canada. "We were matching Red Bull most of the race. Sometimes we lost a bit of pace. I thought the race was over and second place was good, then saw Lewis coming so far. The last driver you want to see in your mirrors when he comes fast. I had a little bit more pace in hand and he was never within DRS."

The plans are clear for the two-time world champion this year. "I want to win a race this year. Today I thought it was nearly possible if Max had a mistake or a bad pit stop. We were too far to force that error," Alonso added.

The Spaniard also expanded on the break issue Lewis Hamilton was told over the radio during the race coverage. "I don’t think it was much (of an issue), it’s a circuit where you can give up on entry. We discussed before the race that lift and cost might be needed so I was ready. I don’t think it had an impact."