Fernando Alonso’s F1 2024 admission in when to stop F1 career verdict…Read
Fernando Alonso’s F1 2024 admission in when to stop F1 career verdict
At 43, Fernando Alonso remains the oldest and most experienced driver on the Formula 1 grid, yet he shows no signs of retiring anytime soon.
As he prepares for the 2025 season, Alonso’s longevity and versatility continue to impress.
The two-time World Champion’s racing career spans over two decades, starting in 2001, and he has achieved success beyond F1, including titles in the World Endurance Championship, two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Additionally, he has competed in the Indianapolis 500 and Dakar Rally, showcasing his adaptability across motorsport disciplines.
Despite his enduring career, the inevitable question arises: when will Alonso know it’s time to step back?
Speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Alonso shed light on his future and how he might recognize when his racing days are over.
As he prepares to enter 2025, he emphasized that he still feels fit, motivated, and ready to compete, particularly with exciting developments at Aston Martin, such as the team’s wind-tunnel testing facility and the recruitment of renowned designer Adrian Newey.
However, Alonso acknowledged that there were moments in the previous season when his energy and motivation waned.
He pointed to the demanding triple-header weekends late in the year—Austin, Mexico, Brazil, followed by Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—as particularly challenging.
With no championship fight to sustain his focus, Alonso admitted to feeling somewhat drained.
The 2024 season also fell short of expectations for Alonso and Aston Martin.
After a strong start, the team struggled to improve the car as the season progressed, ultimately sliding into the midfield and, at times, performing below even that level.
Reflecting on the season, Alonso described it as disappointing in some respects, particularly given the high hopes following a promising 2023 campaign.
However, the team managed to secure fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, which Alonso described as the minimum requirement.
One significant issue Alonso faced was the instability of his Aston Martin car, which made it difficult to drive consistently.
He described a “disconnection” between the car’s front and rear axles, which failed to work cohesively throughout corners.
This inconsistency meant one axle might perform well in certain phases while the other would not, creating unpredictable handling and complicating his performance.
Despite the challenges, Alonso remained optimistic about the team’s broader progress.
He highlighted milestones such as completing new buildings at the Aston Martin factory and hiring Adrian Newey as reasons for optimism moving forward.
Alonso’s individual performance also stood out, as he dramatically outscored teammate Lance Stroll and was instrumental in securing the team’s fifth-place finish in the Constructors’ standings.
While pleased with these achievements, Alonso emphasized that such statistics are not what drive his passion for racing.
Looking to the future, Alonso admitted that he would consider stepping back from Formula 1 if he ever felt slower than his teammates or less capable of extracting the car’s potential.
For him, enjoying the competition is essential, and if that enjoyment fades due to declining performance, he would willingly retire.
Until then, Alonso remains committed to competing at the highest level and contributing to Aston Martin’s growth and success.
While it’s uncertain when Alonso will decide to leave Formula 1, his passion and drive suggest he still has much to offer.
For now, fans can expect to see the legendary driver continuing to compete on the grid, pushing himself and his team to new heights.
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