Ocon praises 'legend' Alonso's racecraft after Abu Dhabi GP battle

Esteban Ocon heaped praise on his former teammate Fernando Alonso after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, calling the two-time champion a 'legend' who still possesses the clever racecraft to control a midfield battle. Ocon finished seventh, directly behind Alonso's sixth-place finish, a result that secured seventh in the constructors' championship for Aston Martin ahead of Alpine.

Why it matters:

At 44 years old, Alonso continues to demonstrate that raw speed is only one component of Formula 1 success. His tactical intelligence and ability to manage a race from the cockpit remain a benchmark for younger drivers, proving that experience can be a decisive weapon in tight midfield fights where car performance is often very similar.

The details:

• Ocon expressed frustration but immense respect for Alonso's performance, stating the Spaniard was "managing extremely well" in the tight sections of the Yas Marina Circuit before pushing in the following corners to open a gap.
• This clever pacing strategy prevented Ocon and the chasing pack from getting close enough to attempt an overtake, showcasing Alonso's veteran race management.
• The French driver admitted his Alpine team simply "was not quick enough" to pass Alonso on pure pace, highlighting the effectiveness of the Aston Martin driver's approach.
• The three-point margin by which Alpine missed out on beating Aston Martin to seventh in the constructors' standings added a "bittersweet" and "difficult to swallow" feeling to Ocon's strong personal result.

The big picture:

Alonso's performance caps another season where his racecraft has been a standout asset for Aston Martin. While the team's competitive level fluctuated through 2025, Alonso's ability to consistently extract maximum results has been crucial. For Alpine, the race underscored a recurring season theme: strong individual drives were often not enough to overcome strategic or operational shortcomings, leaving them to rue missed points earlier in the year that ultimately decided the tight constructors' battle.

What's next:

Ocon framed the strong finish as a foundation to build upon for next season. For Alonso, performances like Abu Dhabi reinforce his value and enduring speed as he heads into another year with Aston Martin. The close fight between Alpine and Aston Martin, settled by just a few points, sets the stage for an intensified rivalry in 2026 as both teams aim to climb the midfield order.