Fernando Alonso recently shared that he intended to retire from Formula 1 after the 2009 season, believing his contract with McLaren would be his last in the sport. The two-time World Champion signed a three-year deal with McLaren in late 2005, viewing this agreement as the culmination of his F1 career. Alonso had already made a significant impact in the sport by winning back-to-back championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, solidifying his status among the top drivers.
Alonso’s move to McLaren in 2007 was fraught with challenges, including a complicated relationship with his new team. The arrival of rookie Lewis Hamilton and the ‘Spygate’ scandal contributed to tensions within the team, leading to Alonso’s early departure after just one season. He returned to Renault in 2008 before joining Ferrari for a lengthy stint from 2010 to 2014. Alonso made a second return to McLaren in 2015 but ultimately left F1 for two years. He rejoined the sport with Alpine and is now racing for Aston Martin in 2023, demonstrating his remarkable resilience and longevity in a competitive field.
During an appearance on the “Beyond The Grid” podcast, Alonso reflected on his career, recalling that at the age of 19, he was primarily focused on fulfilling his dream of competing in F1. He admitted to lacking a clear plan for his career and often improvising as he progressed. After winning his championships, Alonso believed the three-year McLaren contract would signal the end of his F1 journey, as he felt he had already achieved his greatest ambitions in the sport.
Regarding his retirement plans, Alonso expressed uncertainty about his future beyond F1, mentioning a desire for a “normal” life, including starting a family and engaging in activities outside motorsport. He suggested that the young driver he once was might be surprised by his ongoing career and the remarkable milestone of competing in 400 races. Despite his past ambitions, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of F1 and the shifts that can occur in a driver’s career.
Alonso’s peak years in F1 were during his early championships, but he faced difficulties replicating that success later on, especially during his time at Ferrari, when Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel dominated. He noted that his passion for racing has evolved, particularly during a challenging phase that prompted his decision to leave the sport in 2018. In reflecting on this period, he recognized the complexities and politics inherent in F1, which sometimes overshadow the competitive spirit of racing.
As Alonso prepares to make his 400th Grand Prix appearance, he shares his thoughts on this significant achievement. While he does not feel pride in the traditional sense, he views reaching this milestone as a testament to his commitment to the sport. He enjoys the lifestyle that accompanies being a professional driver, despite the demands of travel and competition. Alonso’s enduring love for racing continues to drive him as he looks forward to each race weekend, eager to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
