2-time World Champion Fernando Alonso returns to the sport of F1 with Renault (or Alpine, as they’ll be known in 2021). The legendary Spaniard left the sport in 2018 after a 4-year-long stint with McLaren.

Having won almost all there is to compete for, one wonders what drives Alonso to get back into the mix of F1 racing. Speaking of his attitude and hunger to compete, Alonso said, (translated by Google) “I’m a fighter, I don’t take anything for granted. Now I could be at home and watch the races on TV, or drive once a year just for fun. But I like to try again and never give up.

Using a racing scenario, Fernando illustrates his motivation and never say die attitude. He said, “When I’m sixth and ten laps still ahead of me, my head always thinks that a podium place is possible.

“I can’t turn the switch off, I can’t be satisfied with less, I want to always (push myself) a little more. I’m ambitious.”

Fernando Alonso thinks he’s one of the best, if not the best

The Spaniard has never been one to shy away from a challenge, nor has he been deficient in self-confidence. Looking forward to making his comeback, Alonso isn’t fazed by the competition on the grid. Instead, he claims himself to be one of the very best.

The new Renault driver said,  “If people think that I’m the most complete driver, I have to agree. I consider myself to be pretty complete. I think I have a 9 (out of 10).

“Maybe there is a faster driver in the rain, maybe there is a faster driver on Saturdays. There is still a driver who does better, but there isn’t much else.”

It’s pretty hard to disagree with Alonso’s assessment of himself. He certainly has been one of the very best drivers in the modern era. However, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel may want to object to Fernando’s statements.

Although Alonso may not be challenging for the title next year, you can expect him to give his 200% and battle it out for a podium spot more often than not.