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“Never Considered Myself F1 Driver”: Fernando Alonso Exposes the Real Reason for His Shock Departure

Published 08/22/2023, 6:00 AM EDT

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Triumphs, challenges, and a relentless pursuit of excellence have marked the career of Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard’s departure from the sport left fans pondering the reasons behind his decision. As the dust settles on his storied F1 journey, a recent interaction with the YouTube channel, High Performance, unveils a perspective that sheds new light on Alonso’s departure. From his beginnings with Minardi to his championship-winning years with Renault, and subsequent stints with McLaren, Ferrari, the Spanish driver’s journey is a testament to his dedication and skill. His return to F1 with Alpine and subsequent move to Aston Martin marked a new chapter in his story.

Back in 2018, the motorsport world was abuzz with speculation as Alonso declared his departure from F1, prompting the question of whether F1 had let him down. Yet, the man himself challenged this assumption, asserting, “It’s not because I am not winning here,” he explained. “I arrived in F1 17 years ago and I have won two world championships. I have won more races than what I dreamed of when I came here… I need to go for another tick and find another box to fill.” Alonso’s journey extended far beyond the realm of F1. His triumphant participation in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours and his bold foray into the Indy 500 showcased his willingness to embrace new challenges.

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Recently, in a candid conversation on the YouTube podcast High Performance, Fernando Alonso unveiled a facet of his identity that had long eluded the public eye. He disclosed,I never considered myself an F1 driver, I just considered myself a driver, you know, in any kind of motorsport. It’s not just a specific f1 driving style. So by attempting those, I felt that I had to learn a lot of things from the beginning. So I went to the Le Mans 24 hour and I had very experienced teammates alongside me, and I have to learn a lot from them.” This humility and willingness to start anew, even as a seasoned champion, speaks volumes about his character.

Fernando Alonso’s departure from F1 was not a farewell to racing, it was a continuation of his quest for growth and excellence. His journey, marked by grit and determination, has been an ode to chasing dreams, but it hasn’t come without its sacrifices.

Fernando Alonso’s unwavering journey

Off the track, Alonso may seem like an ordinary person, but his chosen path in the world of F1 has been anything but ordinary. The pursuit of glory led him down a path of relentless dedication, culminating in triumphs with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Yet, as the years unfolded, Alonso acknowledges the price he paid.

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In a candid moment on the High-Performance Podcast, Alonso reveals a poignant aspect of his journey. When asked about his regrets, he acknowledges that the sacrifices demanded by his career might have prevented him from experiencing the joys of family life. He responded, “Probably yes, yeah. I love kids and probably not being in the sport and not being a Formula 1 driver. I probably would’ve had my own family by now.” Alonso’s candid words serve as a reminder that the path to success often demands tough choices.

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What do you think about Fernando Alonso’s Awe-inspiring journey?

 

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Written by:

Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by:

Akash Pandhare