Fernando Alonso Clings on to the Slightest “1%” Hope to Make the Elusive Dream Come True: “I Wouldn’t Have Continued If…”

Whether it was fighting the dominant Vettel or tackling the horrors of the “GP2” engine by Honda, Fernando Alonso has done it all in F1. Yet, one of the most talented drivers at the top level of motorsport is only a 2-time champion. Alonso enters his 20th season in F1 this year. Yet he would hope to take a step forward to his elusive dream with Aston Martin. Although, few believe it is ever going to happen for Fernando with Aston. Still, the Spaniard clings on the to slightest hope of claiming his 3rd title.

According to Motorsport Turkey, Alonso stated that he would not have joined Aston Martin if he did not believe in the team’s future prospects. He said, “I wouldn’t have continued if I didn’t believe we [Aston Martin] had a chance [to be champions].” [translated via Google]

Fernando continued to explain he believes in the slightest chance of becoming a 3-time champion with the Silverstone outfit. He stated, “Whether it’s 1% or 10%: I’ll keep going as long as I believe we have a chance. It’s unrealistic to expect Aston Martin to close the gap any time soon. The important thing is to lay solid foundations and do a better job than those around us.”

Aston Martin has got a good positive trajectory going on since the 2nd half of 2022. So, Alonso may have taken a good punt jumping ship from Alpine. The Spaniard has spoken about contributing to this rise of the Green team with his wisdom and experience in crucial moments.

Read More: Fernando Alonso’s Logic Defying F1 Journey Touted to Be More Surprising Than 2022’s Most Heartbreaking Moment

2022 was not quite great for Alonso, but he felt his pace and performance level were certainly top-level. This year, Fernando would love to be the asset his new team hopes for. The 2-time champion has some valuable experiences that could make a huge difference in tight season battles.

How Fernando Alonso can turn the tide of the Battle for Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso has developed a reputation for making the impossible possible. Out of nowhere, the Spaniard could challenge for a race win or an unlikely result, leaving his opposition stunned. Back in the day, Red Bull boss Christian Horner once said that the only thing he felt like a competitive threat was Alonso.

Such was the fear that Fernando spread on the F1 field at his peak. The 2012 season is a classic example when Alonso was at his superior best and made the 4th fastest car challenge for the title.

Few expected the Ferrari F2012 to be competitive with Red Bull and McLaren’s faster cars. Yet, somehow Alonso made it work and led the championship at the halfway mark by over 40 points. It did not go well in the end as he lost to Sebastian Vettel by 3 points. Still, the Spaniard did not fail to give some memorable performances in that period.

Be it the win from P11 in Valencia or staying in the title fight despite having only 3 wins in the season. Fernando knew how to keep pushing despite the odds against him. In fact, he still knows, and Aston will hope to give him a decent car and expect the Spanish magic again.

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It is a long way for Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso to fight for the championship. Although, if their car can make enough gains, they could be a force to reckon with. The AMR25 getting within a couple of tenths of the ultimate pace and Alonso can be in the hunt for his elusive 3rd title!