Fernando Alonso eyes Dakar Rally as future challenge as Formula 1 legend looks to diversify his racing career – The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally begins in Saudi Arabia, attracting the attention of motorsport enthusiasts around the world. Although Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and one of the sport’s most iconic figures, is not competing in this year’s event, he has made it clear that the rally remains a key ambition in his illustrious career.
In a candid conversation on the *Asi Empece* podcast, Alonso expressed his desire to take on the Dakar Rally, describing it as one of the most fascinating challenges in motorsport. The Spaniard revealed his fascination with the stark contrast between rallying and Formula 1, both in terms of driving style and the mental approach required to succeed.
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A different kind of challenge
For Alonso, the appeal of rallying lies in its unique demands. In Formula 1, the emphasis is on precision, with drivers pushing their cars to the absolute limit in a single perfect lap in qualifying, and managing race strategy to perfection on Sundays. Rallying, however, is a completely different discipline.
“One of the challenges I still have to win is the Dakar Rally – or rallies in general,” explained Alonso.
“What excites me the most is that rallying requires a completely different style to Formula 1”.
In particular, the Dakar Rally tests a driver’s stamina, adaptability and ability to navigate rough terrain. Unlike the meticulously prepared tracks of Formula 1, rally drivers rely heavily on their co-drivers, who dictate the route while the driver maintains control of the vehicle in extreme conditions.
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Mastering a new technology
Alonso delved into the intricacies of rally driving, emphasising how different it is from his Formula 1 experience.
“In rallying, you have a co-driver next to you who tells you the route, but you also have to have both feet on the pedal for almost the whole stage because that’s how you stabilise the rally cars,” he said.
“And you have to play with the weight in the corners and when braking.”
This approach is in stark contrast to Formula 1, where precision braking and aerodynamics dominate. Alonso noted: “If you tried rallying techniques in a formula car, you’d burn up your brakes and use a lot of fuel. Plus, the car moves because of its aerodynamics, not its weight.”
Alonso’s admiration for the skills required in rallying underlines his commitment to constantly challenging himself. While his Formula 1 career has cemented his legacy, he remains eager to broaden his horizons.
Formula 1 future and beyond
At 43, Alonso continues to defy expectations with his performance in Formula 1. Currently racing for Aston Martin, he has a contract that runs until 2026. Despite his age, Alonso shows no signs of slowing down and has reaffirmed his love of racing.
“I have been behind the wheel since I was three years old. I’m 43 now, so I’ve been driving for 40 years. I don’t think it’s possible to stop overnight and never drive again,” said Alonso.
While his F1 career remains a priority, Alonso is already thinking about the next chapter of his life in motorsport. He has hinted at exploring other racing series, with the Dakar Rally emerging as a prominent option.
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Broadening horizons: Lessons from other disciplines
Alonso is no stranger to venturing beyond Formula One. His pursuit of the prestigious Triple Crown of motorsport – a feat requiring victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – demonstrated his willingness to step out of his comfort zone. While he found success with Toyota at Le Mans, his attempts at the Indy 500 were less fruitful, highlighting the challenges of transitioning between racing disciplines.
Reflecting on his time in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and other ventures, Alonso said: “It enriched me as a driver because I had to learn from the best in each series. I didn’t have a comfort zone, I had to learn everything from scratch, like in school.”
This experience has only fuelled his enthusiasm for new challenges.
“When I leave Formula 1, the Dakar or another championship will rekindle this passion for learning,” he added.
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Rallying: A new frontier for Alonso
Alonso’s ambition to compete in the Dakar Rally is not just a passing thought. In 2020, he made his debut in the gruelling event and, despite being a rookie, finished a respectable 13th overall. The experience left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his desire to return and improve on his performance.
Recognised as one of the toughest races in the world, the Dakar Rally demands a combination of technical expertise, physical endurance and mental resilience. For Alonso, it represents the ultimate test of his abilities and a chance to add to his already impressive legacy.
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What lies ahead?
As Alonso balances his ongoing F1 career with his ambitions for the future, fans and pundits alike are eager to see where his journey takes him. Whether it’s the Dakar Rally or another racing discipline, Alonso’s relentless pursuit of new challenges exemplifies his passion for motorsport.
For now, the Aston Martin driver remains focused on Formula 1, where he continues to demonstrate his skill and determination. However, as the clock ticks down on his F1 career, the prospect of seeing Alonso take on the rugged terrain of the Dakar Rally – or other racing adventures – adds another layer of intrigue to his storied career.
Few drivers in the world of motorsport possess Alonso’s combination of talent, versatility and ambition. His willingness to venture into uncharted territory, be it endurance racing, IndyCar or rallying, underlines his commitment to pushing the boundaries. Looking ahead to the Dakar Rally, one thing is certain: Fernando Alonso’s racing story is far from over.
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For my part, Alonso is one of the very few real ‘racers’ in F1 these days and is worthy of more than just the two World Championships he has won.
I look forward to watching him race for many more years to come, if that is his desire