Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, has delivered a forthright critique of the sport, characterising it as both “selfish” and “fake.”
The striking comments were unveiled as Alonso engaged in a retrospective conversation about his illustrious Formula One journey on the High Performance Podcast.
Intriguingly, despite exploring other motorsport avenues during his two-year hiatus from Formula 1, Alonso confessed a yearning for the unique energy synonymous with the sport.
He delved into a candid assessment of Formula 1’s distinct attributes in comparison to other racing disciplines.
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“Formula One in motorsport is very different to any other category, much more selfish, much more glamorous in a way, but also more fake in another way,” Alonso asserted.
He acknowledged that while Formula 1 boasts undeniable allure, drawing fans to attend races or tune in on TV, other competitions like Le Mans, Indy, and Dakar offer a purer form of motorsport.
Amidst these reflections, Alonso’s current Formula 1 campaign is flourishing. He is currently experiencing his most successful season since his remarkable 2013 performance, during which he secured two race victories and clinched a commendable second place in the championship standings.
In the ongoing 2023 season, Alonso has emerged as a formidable contender to Red Bull’s supremacy, amassing an impressive six podium finishes in the opening 12 races alongside his new Aston Martin team.
The seasoned driver’s journey has been marked by unexpected twists.
Notably, in 2018, Alonso publicly announced his retirement from Formula 1, only to stun the racing world by orchestrating a sensational return to the grid in 2021.
Reflecting on his hiatus from the sport, he revealed an intriguing shift in perspective.
“I was watching on TV the Formula 1 races, I appreciated a little bit more all of the stuff that, as a driver, I didn’t like before,” Alonso shared.
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He acknowledged missing elements such as the national anthem, parade laps, and interactions with media and cameras—experiences drivers often grapple with—highlighting the nuanced dynamics of a racer’s relationship with the sport.
Alonso will be hoping Aston Martin is able to return to its strength of the early parts of the season when racing returns, rather than the more lacklustre performance seen just before the summer break.
Aston Martin has a realistic chance of securing both P3 in the Constructors’ Standings and P3 in the Drivers’ Standings this season, a remarkable improvement on last year’s finishing position.