Ross Brawn believes that Formula One could use more drivers like Fernando Alonso. The two-time world champion is fresh off the back of his Le Mans 24 hours success with Toyota and his future in F1 is far from certain.
Brawn said that it is important for the sport to have drivers like Alonso around, which is why talks that he could leave the sport at the end of the season to pursue a career in IndyCar has him wishing for the Spaniard to stay.
"Who knows, maybe he really is looking for fulfilment outside of Formula 1," he said. "But I really hope that’s not the case.
"He is still immensely quick and Formula 1 needs drivers with his undoubted charisma and talent."
F1 finds itself two-thirds of the way through its first-ever tripleheader, with the British Grand Prix the culmination. Brawn says he is impressed with how Alonso has balanced his F1 priorities with those of his World Endurance Championship races.
"In Canada, Fernando crossed the finish line of his 300th Grand Prix entry before going on to win the Le Mans 24 Hours the following weekend with Toyota, on his debut in this event.
"The race in Austria marked Fernando’s fourth consecutive weekend on track but there was no sign of weariness.
"(He) was as keen as ever to fight to the very last lap. In short, in Austria, Alonso once again drove a majestic race."
It isn't just his exploits outside of F1 that are being noticed however, as Brawn heaped more praise onto the McLaren driver for his efforts at the Austrian Grand Prix.
"Fernando had to start from the pit lane due to a modification made under parc fermé," Brawn explained.
"But the two-time champion did not lose heart and managed to take an uncompetitive car all the way to eighth place."
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