New Delhi: Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso made a surprise visit to India on Monday, September 23, hours after taking part in the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. The Formula One great, who enjoys massive popularity in India, visited the IT firm Cognizant’s office in Chennai. Cognizant has been working with F1 team Aston Martin in improving its daily operations and driving innovation.
43-year-old Alonso currently competes for Aston Martin in Formula One and took part in the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday where he finished 8th. The Spanish driver was quite happy with his effort at the Marina Bay as he made the most of the conditions of the track and took advantage of the poor show from Team Ferrari to grab a 7th-place finish.
Hours after completing the race, Alonso landed in Chennai where he interacted with the associates and other employees at the Cognizant office as part of their four-month series of sporting and cultural activities, launched to highlight the IT firm’s association and partnership with Aston Martin and the Formula One, as per PTI.
“It’s been extremely valuable to hear firsthand about the work the IT company is doing with us at the race-track,” Alonso said after interacting with the employees, as quoted by PTI.
“Over the last three years, the firm’s advances in technology and support for the team have been pivotal in helping us improve and achieve results on and off the track,” he added.
Pictures of the two-time Formula One champion’s visit to India surfaced online where he was seen interacting with the employees and also posing for pictures with them.
Fernando Alonso joined a fireside chat—sharing insights and motivating the audience:
“Teamwork. Rely on the people next to you. In @AstonMartinF1, we have 1,000 people working for these two cars. Each one of these 1,000 people is a key part of our success” said Fernando. pic.twitter.com/AZZHn4wuKg
— Cognizant (@Cognizant) September 23, 2024
Fernando Alonso recalls India Grand Prix 2012
Alonso also recalled taking part in the India Grand Prix in the year 2012 where he finished 2nd behind Sebastian Vettel for Ferrari. The India GP took place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Alonso was one of the star drivers at the mega event. He was also one of the favourites to bag the top spot on the podium but ended up finishing behind Vettel, who won the race.
It was still a memorable race for Alonso as he broke Michael Schumacher’s all-time points record at the event. The Spanish driver called it his favourite moment from his visits to India during his interaction with the employees of the IT firm. While Vettel and Alonso shared the top two spots on the podium, Red Bull’s Mark Webber finished 3rd in the India GP in 2012.
Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso visited India on Monday, hours after competing in the Singapore GP. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
