Fernando Alonso thinks it is unlikely that he will make another assault at the Indy500 and with it on the Triple Crown
When Fernando Alonso left Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, he had one big goal: to become the second driver after Graham Hill to win the legendary Triple Crown. He had already won the Monaco Grand Prix twice, so all that was missing was the Indy500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The endurance classic at the Sarthe was no problem with Toyota, but the Indy500 was where Alonso cut his teeth so far. Twice he finished outside the top 20, once he couldn’t even qualify for the race. And whether he will dare to attack again in Indianapolis is doubtful.
“That’s less of a goal now, I have to say,” the Alpine rider tells the ‘BBC’. That’s because he hasn’t enjoyed the last two trips to America as much. “The cars with the aeroscreen have made me feel the car a bit differently. The cars are definitely harder to drive and they can’t follow each other as easily. “
In addition to the lack of fun, there is also the danger factor for him. “There are serious accidents every year, “
No definite cancellation
2022 the race once again falls on the same date as the Monaco Grand Prix. In 2017, Alonso had skipped it to race in Indianapolis, but this question does not arise for him at the moment: “I am fully focused on Formula 1. And if I stop there, I don’t know if I’ll be tempted to try again.”
“It’s not an absolute no, but I would say it’s less of a project,” the 40-year-old insists.
But what happens next for him in the premier class is currently written in the stars. Alpine seems to have a choice between him and Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri for 2023, while team-mate Esteban Ocon already has a valid contract. Although Alonso has had a few coffees with Alpine officials, there have been no official talks yet.
Alonso: Age is not a problem
“I think the possibility is there,” he says of continuing his career and is also willing to continue on his path in Formula 1: “The motivation is still there to win and close the gap, even though we know it will be extremely difficult. “
The two-time world champion doesn’t see his age as an obstacle: “I’d rather have a new front or rear wing than three years less under my belt,” he says. “That would bring more performance.”
The Spaniard says he feels he is at his top level and would consider it wrong to follow Formula One from his living room while still feeling at 100 per cent. “And if it was different, I would be the first to raise my hand and stop. “