As the checkered flag descended on one of the most contentious season finales in Formula 1 history, a particular driver’s mind had already shifted to the opportunities of 2022. That driver was Fernando Alonso, the Spanish maestro whose journey through motorsport has been nothing short of legendary. Driving back to the pits after the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso transmitted a clear and resolute message to his Alpine team: “It’s only the beginning,” he confidently told his race engineer, Karel Loos.
“Sexy boys and girls, the best is just to come next year. I promise. This was a warm-up, like the boxers. They do a game just before the big fight, this was the 2021 for us.” These were the words of a champion, a veteran who, even at 40, possessed an unyielding belief in his capabilities and the potential of his team. His declaration wasn’t merely bravado; it was a deeply ingrained conviction, a testament to his enduring competitive spirit that has defined his illustrious career.
Fernando Alonso’s Grand Return: A Strategic Comeback to Formula 1
Fernando Alonso’s return to Formula 1 in 2021 marked the end of a two-year hiatus from the championship. During this period, the twice-world champion embarked on an extraordinary quest to conquer other motorsport disciplines. He explored the demanding world of endurance racing, competing in the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and IMSA series, pursued the coveted victory in the iconic Indianapolis 500, and tackled the rugged terrain of the Dakar Rally. These adventures broadened his racing acumen and enriched his experience, yet the allure of Formula 1 remained potent.
The opportunity to reunite with his former team, Renault – now rebranded as Alpine – coupled with the heightened level of competition brought by new regulations in Formula 1, proved too compelling to resist. Signing his contract just a month after the pandemic-delayed 2020 season commenced, the 39-year-old put himself back in contention to fight at the pinnacle of motorsport. This comeback was not merely for participation; it was driven by a burning desire to once again challenge for top honors and solidify his legendary status.
Alonso articulated his reasoning for returning, explaining that the sport had evolved since his departure. “Right now, I think especially after the pandemic, it’s a series that is more capable to produce a good show and to produce a good competition,” he conveyed to media, including RaceFans, following the initial stages of his comeback. He drew a clear parallel to his earlier decision to step away: “In 2018, when I left the sport, I was very honest with everybody, saying that I had better feelings or ideas elsewhere than Formula 1 and I had more attractive challenges in WEC or in Indy or in Dakar than what Formula 1 offered me at the time.”
However, the landscape had shifted dramatically by 2020. “Now it’s exactly the same point; in 2020 when I made the decision to come back, there were other series on the table and I thought that Formula 1 was the best challenge in that moment and the best competition.” This sentiment underscores a fundamental truth about Alonso: he is driven by the purity of competition and the pursuit of the ultimate challenge. His return was a calculated move, a belief that Formula 1 had rekindled its flame and presented the most exciting arena for a driver of his caliber.
The Quest for a Third Title: Early Season Struggles and Unyielding Determination
Alonso’s ambition to secure a third world title remains undimmed, a goal he has passionately pursued for 15 years. This weekend, he returns to his home circuit in Spain, a place where he last tasted Grand Prix victory nine years ago. However, the initial phase of the 2022 season has presented significant hurdles. Despite his unwavering commitment, points have been elusive, with his only score coming from F1’s opening race in Bahrain at the end of March.
The subsequent races have been a trying period for the Spanish driver. Saudi Arabia witnessed Alonso’s first retirement of the season, a frustrating setback for his campaign. More misfortune followed in Australia, where car trouble plagued his qualifying session, and poorly timed Safety Car periods trapped him in an unfavorable strategy during the race. Yet, amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged: Alonso managed to put his Alpine in contention for pole position on Saturday in Australia, demonstrating the car’s raw speed and its potential to be a formidable force on the grid when everything aligns.
Matters did not improve significantly at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, held at Imola. Another retirement marred his race after an unfortunate tangle with Mick Schumacher’s spinning Haas on the first lap. The collision caused a significant chunk of his sidepod to fly off, forcing Alonso into an early pit stop and ultimately out of the race. These incidents have accumulated to create a challenging start for the two-time champion, contrasting sharply with the performance of his teammate.
Meanwhile, the other Alpine driven by Esteban Ocon has consistently finished in the points in all but one race this season. This disparity has left Alonso languishing in 16th place in the championship standings, a considerable 22 points behind his teammate. Despite the statistical disadvantage and the run of bad luck, Alonso shows no discernible signs of relenting or slowing down, reaffirming his legendary grit and passion for racing.
The Enduring Motivation: Why Fernando Alonso Refuses to Quit
With two Formula 1 World Championships under his belt, his 41st birthday approaching, and the prospect of breaking records with his 350th Grand Prix start looming, the question naturally arises: why is Fernando Alonso so determined to continue racing in F1, especially when a championship-contending car seems out of reach? Alonso harbors no illusions about the prerequisites for delivering the elusive third title; he knows a fully competitive package is essential. “When [Ayrton] Senna won the championship and the races, he had the fastest car,” Alonso stated earlier this year, outlining his clear understanding of Formula 1’s fundamental truth.
“When I won the championship I had the fastest car. Michael [Schumacher] had the fastest car. Lewis [Hamilton] broke all the records and pole positions because he had the fastest car. It’s Formula 1.” This candid assessment highlights the harsh reality of the sport: raw talent, while indispensable, must be paired with superior machinery to achieve ultimate success. His Alpine, in its current iteration, is certainly not the fastest car on the grid. Yet, this fact has not deterred Alonso, who has shown no interest in stepping away from the sport any time soon. He remains fully invested in the long-term project of transforming Alpine into a world championship-winning team.
Following his retirement at Imola, RaceFans pressed Alonso on what continues to fuel his relentless desire to compete. His response was characteristically frank and devoid of pretense. “Because I feel better than the others,” he replied with a self-assured conviction that only a true champion can possess. He elaborated on the internal barometer that dictates his future in the sport: “When someone comes and I see that he’s beating me on pure ability, I see that I’m not good anymore at the starts, I’m not good in preparing the car or the other side of the garage is one second faster than me, and I cannot match those times et cetera, maybe I raise my hand and I say ‘this is time for me to think in something else.’”
“But at the moment I feel the opposite. So I love racing.” This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of Fernando Alonso’s enduring appeal and his competitive drive. His motivation is deeply rooted in an unwavering self-belief and a profound love for the art of racing. He continues because he truly believes he still possesses the skill, the speed, and the intelligence to outperform his rivals, a testament to his exceptional talent that has graced Formula 1 for decades.
The Alpine Dilemma: Contract Future and the Piastri Shadow
Fernando Alonso’s contract with Alpine is set to expire at the end of the current season, bringing his future in Formula 1 into sharp focus. A critical decision regarding Alpine’s driver line-up for the forthcoming seasons is anticipated by July. Waiting patiently in the wings is Oscar Piastri, Alpine’s highly-regarded reserve driver and a reigning champion in both Formula 2 and Formula 3. Piastri is widely considered one of motorsport’s brightest young talents, tipped by many to be a future star of Formula 1.
For some, the presence of a two-time F1 champion like Alonso in a coveted seat raises questions about whether it obstructs the path for emerging talent. Piastri’s situation draws parallels to Alonso’s own journey earlier in his career; Alonso himself sat out the 2002 season, awaiting promotion to Renault, a move that ultimately propelled him towards his championship triumphs. This historical symmetry highlights the difficult choice Alpine faces: whether to retain a proven, albeit aging, legend or to invest in the future with a promising young driver.
Fernando Alonso is undeniably Formula 1 royalty, a driver whose sheer talent and relentless determination have cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His legacy is secure, but his personal quest for a third world title remains his ultimate, driving ambition. If Alpine can bridge the performance gap and provide him with a championship-contending car, it is highly probable that his insatiable need to win will continue to fuel his desire to remain in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future. His story is one of enduring passion, unparalleled skill, and an unwavering commitment to the ultimate challenge.
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