Last Updated on October 2 2024, 2:07 pm
The Spanish driver’s ambitious goal with Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso, one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in motorsport, has set himself a singular goal: to win his third Formula One World Championship. After a career marked by victories in a variety of racing categories, the Spaniard’s pursuit of this elusive milestone is now laser-focused on his work with Aston Martin.
For the 42-year-old, winning another F1 title isn’t just a career ambition – it’s his top priority for the next few years. Alonso’s career is undoubtedly one of the most complete in motorsport history.
A career full of successes
Triumphs in multiple disciplines, including Formula 1 and endurance racing, his versatility has earned him worldwide acclaim. Most notably, Alonso came close to achieving motorsport’s prestigious Triple Crown, which consists of winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.
Despite his best efforts, the Spaniard has been unable to secure victory in the Indy 500, falling short on three separate occasions. The race, held annually on the iconic oval track, remains the only component of the Triple Crown that Alonso has yet to conquer.
However, when asked recently about the possibility of returning to the American race, he was adamant that he would concentrate on F1 for the foreseeable future.
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No Indy 500 for now: “It’s not in my plans”
Speaking at a Cognizant event in India, Alonso was asked if he would make another attempt at the Indianapolis 500. His answer left no room for ambiguity: “Not at the moment”.
He explained that while the Triple Crown is an attractive goal, his immediate focus is elsewhere.
“There are several things to win: the Monaco Grand Prix in F1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in endurance racing and the Indianapolis 500 on an oval track, which is the Triple Crown of motorsport,” Alonso said.
“I have tried to win the Indianapolis 500 three times and it is the only one I am missing, but it is not in my plans at the moment.”
For Alonso, the Indianapolis 500 does not hold the same appeal as it once did. He is fixated on winning another Formula One title, the prize that has eluded him since his last championship triumph in 2006.
Aston Martin, the team with which he is now contracted, represents his best hope of realising that dream in the years to come.
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F1 – “My first and only priority”
Alonso’s determination to win a third F1 title is unwavering. “I am very focused on Formula 1 at the moment,” he said.
“In the next two or three years I want to win the third world title. That is my first and only priority at the moment.”
Despite the lure of other racing challenges, Alonso recognises the commitment required to compete at the highest level in multiple disciplines. Chasing an Indy 500 victory would require him to refocus his energies and relearn the nuances of oval racing, a prospect he finds daunting.
“After that [winning the F1 title], the commitment required to go to the Indianapolis 500 and relearn everything might be too much,” he admitted.
For now, Alonso’s focus remains firmly on F1, where he hopes to break through and add another championship to his already storied career. He admits that diversifying his goals would make it difficult to maintain the level of performance required to succeed in the ultra-competitive world of F1.
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A future in the Dakar Rally?
Although Alonso has ruled out another attempt at the Indianapolis 500 in the near future, his ambitions outside of F1 remain strong. In particular, he has his eye on the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most demanding off-road events.
“My next big challenge will be the Dakar Rally,” revealed Alonso.
“If I can win there, I think it will be a great personal reward because I can win in F1, endurance races, Le Mans and Daytona, and if I can win in rallies, it will mean a lot to me as a driver.”
Alonso has already tested his mettle in the gruelling desert race by competing in the 2020 edition of the Dakar Rally. Despite having little rally experience, the two-time Formula 1 champion performed admirably, finishing just outside the top ten. His compatriot Carlos Sainz, a four-time winner of the Dakar Rally, has been a major inspiration for Alonso’s off-road ambitions.
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A legacy beyond Formula 1
Alonso’s legacy in motorsport is already assured, with two Formula 1 world titles and a host of other accolades to his name. However, the drive to add more victories to his name, particularly in other racing disciplines, continues to fuel his competitive fire.
While he has ruled out the Indianapolis 500 for the time being, his focus on F1 shows that his love for the sport is as strong as ever. A third championship, especially with a team like Aston Martin, would cement Alonso’s place as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
“I think it might be too much to have other goals in life,” Alonso explained, underlining the mental and physical toll that top-level racing takes. His careful consideration of his future plans reflects a mature approach to his career, balancing the ambition to achieve more with a recognition of the limits of his capacity.
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The road ahead with Aston Martin
Alonso’s renewed focus on F1 comes at a time of great promise for Aston Martin. With a long-term contract in place and the team making strides in its development, Alonso’s partnership with the British manufacturer represents his best chance of adding to his world championship tally.
Although he has not won a title since his back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006, Alonso’s experience, skill and determination make him a formidable contender. The coming seasons will be crucial for both Alonso and Aston Martin as they work to close the gap on the sport’s dominant teams.
As Alonso looks ahead to the next two or three years, his goals are clear: “Winning a third world title is my first and only priority.”
For fans of the Spanish driver, the prospect of Alonso challenging for another championship will be an exciting story to follow. And while the Indianapolis 500 and the Dakar Rally may still be in his future, for now Alonso’s focus remains firmly on Formula One, where he hopes to secure his place among the sport’s immortals.
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