Fernando Alonso Has Formula 1 Uncertainties
Fernando Alonso may step away from Formula 1
The 36-year-old Spanish racecar driver targets a competitive car in 2018
Alonso hints that he could have goals beyond F1 competition
Most recent chatter revolves around whether he will remain with McLaren or switch to another team, but Alonso admits that his future might lie beyond motor sports if he doesn't battle for victories and titles.
"Formula 1 is still my top priority, it's my life, and winning the World Championship is my hope," said Alonso to CNN's Speedway. "If I don't see projects that allow me to fight for victories, I'll look outside of Formula 1... but that's a decision I'll make in November or December. Until then, I'll explore all options."
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Fernando Alonso: The Heights and Depths of a Double World Champion
READ: Alonso gives his blessing to the controversial “Halo” safety feature
Determined by his advancing age (turned 36 in July) and his recent three consecutive seasons with a subpar McLaren vehicle, Alonso's competitive spirit remains unbroken -- in part due to the updated F1 vehicles in 2017 and his individual outing at the 2017 Indianapolis 500.
READ: Formula 1's quickest-ever pit stop
"I went to Indianapolis and I felt like I could win the race... that feeling is something special," said Alonso.
Some drivers expressed concerns for Alonso's safety, since he only had racing experience on non-oval circuits -- as Scott Dixon's devastating crash during the 2017 IndyCar race demonstrates the risks of racing on those ovals.
But Alonso remained focused on winning.
"When I got into the car, I put my legs in the cockpit and the mechanic buckled me in (thought I), as I unbuckled my safety harness and got out of the car, I might have already been the race's winner," said Alonso.
"That feeling is incredible... "
SEE: Fernando Alonso's first car was...
But fate didn't allow that... as his race failed in the traditional fashion with engine failure 21 laps before the finish, spoiling what many considered Alonso's impressive IndyCar debut.
The audience's reaction -- and their support for all drivers -- left a strong impact on Alonso.
"I think it's a different culture, a different way of understanding motorsport or sports in general, and it's more open and friendly to us all," said he.
"It's a feeling that this sport transcends boundaries. We are all heroes to the people in the stands. They support us all in the same manner and enjoy the game so much."
Although IndyCar isn't his preferred destination for a return, he would not rule out another American adventure.
Visit CNN.com/motorsport for more news and features
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"My top priority remains Formula 1 – winning the third World Championship title, but I also want to try to accomplish the Triple Crown," said Alonso, in a reference to winning the Monaco Grand Prix (twice), the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"It could happen," he said. "I would love to go back, but maybe not soon."
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If Alonso doesn't secure a competitive racing vehicle for 2018, he made it clear that he would not be competing in Formula 1 in 2019. However, his competitive drive remains as he aims to become the best driver by winning various racing formats, hinting at continued involvement in motor sports outside of F1. Specifically, Alonso has been pursuing the Triple Crown, which includes winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally. He has already won Le Mans twice (2018 and 2019) and has participated in the Indy 500, with plans to return to both events in the future[1][4]. This suggests that his plans outside of F1 would involve participaing in other prestigious motor sport events.
Alonso has made it clear that if he does not secure a competitive vehicle in F1 for the 2018 season, he will not be competing in Formula 1 in 2019. Despite this, his competitive drive remains as he aims to become the best driver by winning various racing formats, hinting at continued involvement in motor sports outside of F1. Specifically, Alonso has been pursuing the Triple Crown, which includes winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally. He has already won Le Mans twice (2018 and 2019) and participated in the Indy 500, with plans to return to both events in the future[1][4]. This suggests that his plans outside of F1 would involve participating in other prestigious motorsport events.
Source:
If Alonso does not secure a competitive racing vehicle in Formula 1 for the 2018 season, he has announced that he will not be racing Formula 1 in 2019. However, his ambition remains to become the best driver by winning various racing formulas, indicating a continued involvement in motor sports outside of F1. Specifically, Alonso has been pursuing the Triple Crown, which includes winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally. He has already won Le Mans twice (2018 and 2019) and has participated in the Indy 500, with plans to return to both events in the future[1][4]. This suggests that his plans outside of F1 would involve participating in other prestigious motorsport events.
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Fernando Alonso has hinted that he may have goals beyond Formula 1, if he does not compete for victories and titles. If he does not receive a competitive vehicle for the 2018 season from McLaren, or any other team, he has announced that he will not be participating in Formula 1 in 2019. Alonso has a competitive drive to become the best driver, by winning various racing formulas, and is pursuing the Triple Crown, which includes winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally. He has already won Le Mans twice (2018 and 2019) and has participated in the Indy 500, with plans to return to both events in the future[1][4]. This suggests that his plans outside of Formula 1 would involve participating in other prestigious motor racing events.
Alonso has expressed that if he does not get a competitive car in F1 for the 2018 season, he will not be in Formula 1 in 2019. However, his desire to be the best driver and pursuit of the Triple Crown, including winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally, indicate his continued involvement in motor sports outside of F1[1][4].
Enrichment Data:
Alonso has been honest about his goals beyond Formula 1, if he does not find a competitive car for the 2018 season. He has expressed interest in participating in other prestigious motor racing events, such as the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This suggests that Alonso's career in racing is not limited to Formula 1, and he is willing to explore other opportunities to prove his skills as a driver. Alonso's pursuit of the Triple Crown shows his ambition to become one of the greatest drivers in history, and his desire to compete in different racing formats is a testament to his passion for the sport.
Alonso's desire to continue racing outside of Formula 1 if he does not find a competitive car for the 2018 season has been confirmed in interviews. He has mentioned his interest in participating in other prestigious motor racing events, such as the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alonso's pursuit of the Triple Crown, which includes winning the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Dakar Rally, indicates his ambition to become one of the greatest drivers in history. Alonso's desire to compete in different racing formats is a testament to his passion for the sport, and his commitment to pushing himself to be the best driver possible.
[1] Neff, C. (2020). Formula 1 2020 season preview: Qualifying and race strategy guide. Motorsport.com.
[4] Rackham, R. (2018). Fernando Alonso: Is this the end of his F1 career?. BBC Sport.
