Spaniard Fernando Alonso surprises with career ending statements saying “I’d like to know the answer too”. Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso may already be 41 years old and thus by far the oldest driver in the field, but his motivation is as great as on day one.
Now the Spaniard has explained what goals he still has for himself personally and with Aston Martin and revealed surprising details about his originally planned career end.
Things are going very well for Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 at the moment. After his switch from Alpine to Aston Martin, podium finishes are just flying at the veteran. The 41-year-old has been on the podium in all three races of the season. In the drivers’ standings, he is in third place with 45 points behind the two Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen on 69 and Sergio Pérez 54.
However, the fact that Alonso is still active in the top class of motorsport at all at this point in time was not planned at the beginning of his career, as he has now revealed.
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Retirement thoughts revealed
Asked in an interview by his sponsor Bang & Olufsen how much longer he planned to race, the Spaniard said with a smile: “I’d like to know that too.”
Furthermore, Alonso, who made his F1 debut in 2001 in a Minardi, elaborated:
“When I started in F1, I wanted to be there for seven or eight years. Then I won the two championships and I thought maybe I would drive another year or two.”
But his two world championship titles with Renault – in 2005 and 2006 – were also more than a decade and a half ago.
“Now I’ve had the longest career in Formula One and I’m still fresh, still motivated, still enjoying every single day,” continued Alonso, who now preferred not to commit himself.
Alonso sets out goals for Aston Martin in F1
“So I still have a few years to go, and hopefully get another title in the future,” said the 41-year-old.
For the time being, however, the Spaniard wants to stay grounded despite the unexpected flight of fancy with Aston Martin. The goals are therefore formulated defensively for the time being.
“Of course, a third world championship title is my goal, but at the moment it is first of all about driving a good season. Aston Martin had a lot of problems in 2022, so we have to – let’s put it this way – learn to run properly again before we start racing.”
For now, he’s just getting to know the new car. In order to ultimately compete for the title, the team will then have to gradually become more attuned to each other.
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