Fernando Alonso believes he is still at the top of his game as a driver – when it comes to a possible retirement, he cites the racing calendar as the main reason
Fernando Alonso is still not thinking about retiring. But the 42-year-old admits that the growing Formula 1 calendar with its triple-headers is more likely to make him quit than doubts about his driving skills
These have not arisen so far – especially not after the eight podiums Alonso celebrated with Aston Martin in the 2023 season, which only increased his motivation.
“Being competitive again, feeling the speed again and knowing that you have to do everything perfectly because there is a chance of being on the podium or winning, it really gives you a completely different approach and love for the things you do,” he enthuses.
However, the two-time world champion admits that Formula 1’s tight schedule – and not age – could be the factor that makes him want to quit again. After all, Alonso already left Formula 1 for two years at the end of 2018.
At the time, he had grown tired of the media and commercial commitments and was stuck in the bottom half of the table in sporting terms with the McLaren team.
During his time out, the Spaniard continued to race, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, took the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship title and contested the Indianapolis 500 before returning to Formula 1 with Alpine in 2021
Alonso: Driving is not the problem
He has been driving for Aston Martin since this season. His contract expires at the end of 2024. Alonso will then be 43 years old. However, both parties are not averse to an extension.
Alonso explains: “I often said before 2018: if one day I feel slow and dissatisfied with my performance, I will be the first to say: ‘It’s time’. But I don’t think that time will come. “
“I’m extremely confident in my performance,” emphasizes the Spaniard, adding: “But it could be that one day, given the racing calendar and the demanding schedule, I will feel that the time has come – because there are other things in life after all.”
The schedule for 2023 has been reduced from the original 24 weekends to 22 after the return of the Chinese Grand Prix was postponed for another year due to the pandemic and the race in Imola had to be canceled due to severe flooding in Emilia-Romagna
Frequent triple headers drain the battery
The season ended with a tripleheader of Austin, Brazil and Mexico, followed by the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the finale in Abu Dhabi a week apart.
For next year, the provisional calendar provides for a Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi tripleheader at the end of the season. However, this is currently being revised due to pressure from teams and drivers who argue that the schedule is too grueling.
It is precisely this that could decide when his love affair with Formula 1 comes to an end, and not a possible drop in performance, says Alonso: “It was a very exhausting season, even with only 22 races and two retirements. Next year, with the full 24-race calendar, we’ll have to see how it feels.”
“I could see it ending with a tripleheader again. I don’t know why, I thought Vegas would stand on its own next year. So it’s three races together. Things like that will drain my battery, not the driving. “
