How Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso assesses his 2023 season with Aston Martin and why his first year together only motivates him even more
“I am satisfied with my personal performance,” says Fernando Alonso at the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season. But the Aston Martin driver does not base this assessment on his eight podium finishes, but “on my driving”. His conclusion: “Together with 2012, 2023 was my best season. I was happy with everything. “
He was always “motivated and fit” and performed “sometimes under difficult circumstances”, says Alonso. He explicitly refers to “Bahrain, Monaco, Canada, Monza and Brazil” as his “top 5 races” this year.
But why Monza? The Italian Grand Prix stands out because Alonso did not achieve a top 3 result there, but “only” ninth place. Nevertheless, it was “on purpose” that he mentions this event, Alonso emphasizes: “I wasn’t on the podium there and the race is not one to remember, but we had the slowest or second slowest car there, and considering that, it was very good.”
Alonso: Monaco was our chance to win
Only one thing is missing: a win. Because Aston Martin seemed to be on the verge of beating Red Bull in the first phase of the season. “I think that was possible,” says Alonso.
“We were probably closest in Monaco. Maybe a different tire decision would have been right there. Maybe it could have worked out at Zandvoort if we had been in a different position at the restart. So yes, there were opportunities here and there. And I think we deserve it more than anyone else this year.”
That is why he also feels “one hundred percent” more passionate about Formula 1 and says: “Motivation always comes with results. You can’t hide that.”
“Even if you are very motivated and very determined, but the results don’t materialize in the medium to long term, it’s impossible to stay on the ball. Being competitive, feeling the speed again, having a chance of a podium or victory when everything goes perfectly, that makes you appreciate everything in a completely different way. It’s been an incredible season. “
How much longer does Alonso want to continue?
And at least one more will follow for Alonso in Formula 1: He is also set to continue at Aston Martin in 2024 – and is not thinking about quitting just yet.
“I’ve often said that the day won’t come because I can no longer motivate myself or because I feel slow. If I ever slow down, then you’ll notice it. Then I will no longer be satisfied with my performance. And then I’ll be the first to say it’s time,” says Alonso.
Postscript: “But I don’t think that will happen. Because I’m extremely confident in my performance.”
“But if you consider the tight racing calendar, it could happen one day that I might want to do something else. Let’s see what 24 races feels like next year. Three races in a row [like] Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi [at the end of the season], that drains my battery, but not the driving. “
Alonso: Almost quit at the end of 2009
Then Alonso admits that he had already thought about quitting many years ago: “In 2007, I had just signed a three-year contract with McLaren. At the time, I thought it would be my last contract. And now here we are. So I can’t say anything about the future.”
But he can say something about the past, which never saw him in the same team as Formula 1 star designer Adrian Newey at the same time. “He’s responsible for 19 drivers not winning titles for two decades!” Alonso says, laughing.
Seriously, he adds: “Adrian is an incredible person and I’m lucky to work in the same environment. Even if we’ve never done anything together: I’m happy to be living and riding in this era. And I wish I could work with him one day.”
That won’t work out, at least in the short term, because Alonso is tied to Aston Martin and Newey only signed a “multi-year contract” with Red Bull in May 2023. This means that Alonso and Newey will remain rivals on the race track for the time being
