Home/F1

via Getty

via Getty

371 races, 42 years old, a career spanning 22 years, of which 20 are in Formula 1 and still counting. Theoretically, these stats should not exist in a sport that requires the athlete to be incredibly fit and with extremely sharp reflexes. However, Fernando Alonso likes nothing more than to defy the odds and that is exactly what he’s doing currently. The Spaniard is showing no signs of slowing down.

In fact, he is touching new heights with seven podiums to his name already in 2023. However, despite the mega start to the season with Aston Martin, the two-time champion has suffered setbacks in the second half of the season. Have these string of flops affected Alonso’s outlook and his desire to continue in the sport?

via Getty

Absolutely not! The Spanish samurai, as quoted by Formula Passion, despite the setbacks, is always motivated to race. Despite not possessing the tools to fight for the ultimate goal or for wins, the Spaniard is keeping his head down and racing for as long as he can. So to answer the question, in Alonso’s words, he “won’t stop anytime soon”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“Every race I start, even if we are not strong enough to fight for the victory, there is a 1% of me that when I lower the visor hopes that it will be the day I win again. 99% of the time you fail, and life is more about failures than successes, you have to deal with it and become stronger. But the one time you win is worth the wait and all the hard work. The desire to win is always present. I had it from day one and I still have it now. I won’t stop anytime soon,” said Alonso. [Translated by Google]

Read More: 22 Years of Experience Led to Fernando Alonso’s Tactical Avoidance of “Ferrari Time” Horrors

There is still passion burning within Alonso to fight for wins and the championship, even if it comes at a cost. Although he is grateful to be racing in the premier class and staying competitive, there is only regret Alonso holds in his two-decade-long career.

Fernando Alonso reveals the only regret in his 20-year-long F1 career

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Spaniard has represented six teams in his career so far. However, despite all his talent, Alonso unluckily could only win the championship wearing his Renault overalls. Does he regret not winning the championship again? Absolutely! However, there is a particular team Alonso wanted to win the championship with that he couldn’t despite getting close on two occasions which remains his biggest regret in his F1 career.

via Imago

“If I could change something in my career, I would like to become world champion with Ferrari,” said Fernando. “We may have had the weaker car, but we still fought for the title until the finale. So if I could change one thing in my career, it would probably be that.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Alonso would’ve loved to be a bigger part of Ferrari’s illustrious history but he could only manage a runner-up finish in the overall standings. However, all his regret will dissipate if he can win the championship once again.

WATCH THIS STORY | Fernando Alonso revives tradition, ends 4-week drought, celebrates triumph