With Problematic Esteban Ocon Out of the Way, Fernando Alonso Prepares for the “Next Challenge”

We can count on one hand the number of drivers who signed a new deal in the premier class after the age of 40. The count reduces when we count the number of world champions doing so. The number drops down when we take the vigor and level of performance of the 40-something-year-old into consideration. Only one man survives this metric, i.e., Fernando Alonso. Now, heading into 2023 with Aston Martin, the Spaniard is excited for the “next challenge” at Aston Martin, leaving his troubles in the past.

What troubles do you ask? Firstly, it was the consistent reliability issues with his car. The Spaniard retired from six races, excluding the knock-off effects from technical issues during some qualifying sessions as well. Adding to his frustration, Alonso had a falling out with teammate Esteban Ocon as well after their coming together in Brazil. However, that’s in the past and the two-time world champion is excited about the upcoming season which he expressed to Motor.es.

Alonso talked about his motivation and excitement for the upcoming season after his test in Jerez. “It is a fact that I look for a way to give my maximum. I never get demotivated and I need to make sure I give 100%,” he said.

Alonso also revealed he is, “prepared for the next challenge”. Moreover, the Spaniard is looking forward to racing for his new team. “Very special opportunity for me with this team. I see a winning project,” he concluded.

Read More: Fernando Alonso Adds Fuel to His Burning Rivalry With Esteban Ocon After 100-Year Fluke Comment

Alonso might finally have a winning car under him for the first time in a while. However, that does not mean the world champion might not face the same problems he did at Alpine.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll’s relationship might produce fireworks

Taking unreliability out of the equation, the Spaniard might face a similar problem at Aston Martin as Alpine with his teammate. Alonso is infamous for being a difficult teammate. Joining Aston Martin where the other driver is the owner’s son, there could be fireworks predicts the expert hosts of The Ringer F1 Show podcast.

“He makes himself so hard to like with this kind of doubling down, gaslighting, and politicking. I just don’t understand how it’s gonna work at Aston Martin [with Lance Stroll]. That’s going to be fireworks,” said the experts.

We’ve seen this narrative around Alonso time and again.

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However, let’s hope heading into the 2023 season and his new team, the rejuvenated 41-year-old world champion, can focus solely on racing.