Birthday boy Alonso credits ‘amazing’ pit crew

Fernando Alonso was full of praise for his pit crew after the birthday boy celebrated a third P8 finish in four races.

After some no nonsense responses to his pit wall on Saturday at the Hungarian Grand Prix, driver and garage were back on the same page in Hungary as Alonso, who turned 37, came from P11 to P8 at the Hungaroring.

Long first stints for both McLaren drivers helped bring them back into contention and Alonso was quick to credit the strategy that saw him bank some more precious points.

“Yeah definitely, I enjoyed it and it is a happy Sunday and birthday for me,” Alonso said back in the paddock.

“Again, we struggled on Saturday, even with the mixed conditions but then on Sunday we delivered the result and more points for the team.

“We were in a strong position, also with Stoffel [Vandoorne], double points for McLaren, but unfortunately he had a gearbox problem.

“Anyway, I think it was a good and happy day, especially for the strategy. I think the pit wall really did an amazing job today, extending the first stint.”

Most drivers will have the luxury of a full summer break, but not Alonso as he prepares to continue his WEC duties with Toyota.

“I still have two weeks completely off now,” he added.

I don’t know what I will do in these weeks but yeah, I am looking forward to [the 6 Hours of] Silverstone.

“It is a fantastic circuit, and with an LMP1 car, it will fit quite well to that track.”

Watch: Martin Brundle’s Alan Partridge moment with Fernando Alonso