Michael Schumacher Dissed for Letting “the Old Woman In” as Nemesis Fernando Alonso’s Comeback Termed Superior for 2 Major Reasons

How many times have we seen F1 drivers come back from retirement because that need for speed never died? The most recent example is Fernando Alonso, who could not stay away from the sport for more than two years. Currently, he is on Cloud 9, finishing in podium finishes in the most consistent manner. Before him, the great Michael Schumacher came out from retirement as well. But then why is the Spaniard so much more successful since his comeback, while the 7-time world champion couldn’t do it?

Alonso did not get off to a great start on his comeback either. His first year with Alpine was underwhelming, to say the least. In his second year, he led the team to a P4 finish in the standings, which was a case of the team punching above its weight. Despite the French team sailing on an upward trajectory, he made a switch to a struggling Aston Martin, a move that raised many questions. The results have clearly proven the doubters wrong.

The reason why Michael Schumacher failed on his comeback while Fernando Alonso is thriving

It is not just the results, Fernando is operating with a new attitude that reminds fans of his exploits from the yesteryear. There is a hunger in him to excel and be at the top once again. Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan and former Red Bull driver David Coulthard discuss the reason.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Formula For Success podcast, Coulthard said, “I think two reasons why he’s like that. One, when he stepped away from Formula 1 the first time, he went straight into sportscars, IndyCar, he did the Dakar. He’s got a kart track and you see him out testing his karts [at] his facility in Spain. So, the uninterrupted, being in the mode of being a racing driver and all of the things that keep sharpen your mind. You often hear the often-used expression, ‘don’t let the old man in’. If you let the old man or the old woman in, that ultimately is what you end up becoming.”

“But If you fight against that, you keep a young spirit for as long as nature will allow. So, I think in comparison to Michael who stopped, and no longer was racing and then went and played motorbikes, then had a crash and broke a vertebrae then came back to Formula 1, was at 3 years after he had originally stopped. He could still go through the motions, he was still an incredible individual, but he just wasn’t as good as he had been before. When he was in his forties, the clock had moved.”

Read More: Lewis Hamilton’s Elusive Plans Destroyed by Bleak Verdict on Mercedes’ Master Plan by Confidant Toto Wolff

Coulthard explained another reason behind Fernando’s newfound hunger, which he believes comes from his anger. Anger with himself more than anybody else.

How Alonso is channeling his anger to deliver phenomenal results on the track

The Asturian driver is currently 41 years old and knows that he does not have too much time left in the pinnacle of motorsport. Being a two-time world champion, he has left a lasting legacy on the sport. However, anybody who has followed his career knows that just the two championships do not reflect the level of talent he possesses. Perhaps that is the reason why Coulthard feels he is angry.

“The second reason why I think Fernando is so strong is- he’s angry. He’s angry that he’s only won two world championships and that anger is what drives him to still have the need and that’s the key thing. When I said earlier, ‘you don’t lose the speed, you lose the need’, he still has the need,” he said.

Watch This Story: Does Fernando Alonso Believe He Can Be a 3-time World Champion?

Eddie agreed with David but felt that Fernando only had himself to blame for it. According to the former Jordan manager, the Spaniard chose money over success throughout his career. That, he believes, is something for him to introspect about and discuss with his manager, Flavio Briatore.