Down but Not Out, Fernando Alonso Bids Goodbye to ‘El Plan’ Temporarily to Set a Realistic Target

For the first time in a long time, Fernando Alonso started a season with such promise as he did in 2023. The Spaniard felt the exhilaration of regularly fighting for podiums for the first time since 2014. This not-so-surprising start to the season gave the Alonso camp a ray of hope and put ‘El Plan’ in motion again. Alonso had set his sights on Mission 33, which is securing his first race win since the 2013 Spanish GP. However, the Spaniard has not gotten a whiff of the podium since the 2023 Canadian GP. Because of this current downfall of Aston Martin, Alonso made a downbeat but realistic admission.

Aston Martin has fallen behind in the grid’s current pecking order. Aston Martin started extremely strong but has failed to keep up with its competition with the upgrades. This is exactly why Alonso has put ‘El Plan’ on hold as they focus on catching up with the competition. However, as quoted by Motorsport, team Alonso might be currently down, but they’re definitely not out!

“We were close to winning in Monaco and Canada, but realistically I think we will have more opportunities,” said Alonso. “Mission 33 has been accepted by the team. We will continue to try every weekend, even if it is impossible. Everything I do in life I do because I think I will win.” (Translated via Google)

“I don’t know how long it will take for us to win, but I think we will achieve that in the future. To be honest, I don’t think we will have a realistic chance of winning this year. But there is always a race that will give us an opportunity,” he concluded.

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The Asturian driver is not losing hope till the time he’s racing. In fact, even the Aston Martin bosses have admitted his charisma and drive keeps the entire team on its toes.

Stopping anyway isn’t an option, even if the goal isn’t in sight. Alonso just loves being part of the circus.

Fernando Alonso admits he’s enjoying himself despite the elusive goal becoming more distant

Alonso got a second lease on his F1 life after he joined Alpine in 2019. His decision to drive for Aston Martin only made life in F1 better. At 42 years of age now, a driver who loves to race and the sport can ask for nothing more. This is exactly Alonso’s mentality as well as he admits he doesn’t wanna consider stopping at the moment because he’s having too much fun.

Formula One F1 – Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 27, 2023. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso after qualifying. REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Alonso said “As this is a medium and long-term project, I don’t know if I’ll be here when the team is ready to win (the World Cup)… But I always have in mind to be there, because as long as I feel fast and still have fun, it will continue. Why should I stop? Right now I’m having fun.”

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The Spaniard is enjoying his F1 life once again. He has added to his podium tally as well. A win would be a cherry on the top. However, if by next year he can fight for the championship, the Spaniard might never retire.