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Executive Director of McLaren Zak Brown believes that Fernando Alonso is the greatest driver in the world, despite being at the latter stages of his Formula One career.
Alonso will enter his sixteenth season of Formula One next season, his third with McLaren-Honda. The 35 year old is searching for his third world championship, this season marking eleven years since his previous one.
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"First of all, I want to correct you: I don't see Fernando as disillusioned at all," said Brown, when it was suggested by the official Formula One website that Alonso was losing his enthusiasm.
"I don't know him well yet, but I've met him a few times, and phoned him too, and he's buzzing. Even though our car wasn't fully competitive last season, some of his drives were stunningly good. Look, I'll be frank: I reckon he's the best driver in the world, period."
Brown also spoke about new arrival Stoffel Vandoorne, tipping the 2015 GP2 to take a challenge to Alonso and not make 2017 easy for him.
Vandoorne already has experience in F1, making his debut at the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix, replacing the injured Alonso. The Belgian impressed many by out-qualifying and out-scoring team mate Jenson Button.
"Our personal trainers tell me he's probably the fittest driver we've ever had, and he's incredibly focused and determined. He's fiercely intelligent too – you never have to tell him anything twice."
"His Grand Prix debut in Bahrain last year was sensational. He only arrived in Bahrain on the Friday morning, straight off a long two-flight journey from Japan via Dubai. I think Stoffel will surprise a few people. He's the real deal."
Fergal Walsh
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