Fernando Alonso is asked what his future looks like before the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. Answer: “Hopefully [habe ich] a family!” The Spanish racing driver and the journalists laugh – knowing that the questioner wanted something completely different. Namely Alonso’s Formula 1 future, which is still unclear.
But it won’t be long before Alonso makes a decision. The two-time Formula 1 world champion says: “The summer break is probably the point where I have to sit down and make a decision. And yes, the summer break starts on Monday.”
But he doesn’t limit his considerations to just one racing team, says Alonso: “All teams are an option, as long as they don’t already have two drivers under contract.” But that’s where the problem lies for Alonso: The current top teams currently have no vacancies and are sometimes “fully booked” for years.
If you don’t drive for a top team, you need “alternatives”
Alonso himself says: “Under the new regulations, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes appear to be the only teams capable of pulling away with wins. So if there’s an opportunity to join one of those teams for 2023, it will be you will try. But there is no chance.”
As a driver who doesn’t come into question for Ferrari, Red Bull or Mercedes, you have to “trust” other projects, says Alonso. “With the desire that this [Projekte] will be competitive next year. At least I hope so.”
He’s thinking of his current team, Alpine, and says it’s his “priority to continue with Alpine.” Because Alonso recognizes an increasing shape curve: “We’ve been working together on this project for two years now and are developing it further. We’re getting better and better. My wish would be to be able to stay.”
No negotiations with Alpine yet, but…
There have not been concrete negotiations “yet”, “but that will happen,” says Alonso, probably during the several-week Formula 1 summer break. “I’ll be on vacation. The bosses will also be on vacation. So we’ll probably have to exchange video calls,” explains Alonso.
If the ex-champion has his way, little free time needs to be spent on the talks: “It only takes ten minutes if two parties want to agree on something. But if you argue, one side may not be satisfied. From mine On the other hand, it won’t take more than ten minutes because I’m happy where I am and I’d like to stay.”
“But yes, there are two sides to it, and I’m not going to put a gun to anyone’s head,” says Alonso. “We’ll start talking. If we can agree on something, like I said, it’s a matter of ten minutes. If we argue a lot, it would be strange.”
Alonso: There was contact with Aston Martin, but already in 2020
Especially since Alonso, according to his own statement, is completely concentrating on Formula 1 and is not planning any other activities apart from the “premier class”. He says he has “no other things on his mind.” And: “Other racing series just don’t appeal to me.”
So continue Formula 1, but where? Aston Martin, where the announced resignation of Sebastian Vettel will soon free up a cockpit? Alonso admits contact with the team, but from the 2020 season, “as the team [als Racing Point] was very competitive and won races”.
“That was before my comeback,” says Alonso. “[Die Gespräche liefen] not good, I came back with Alpine. And I’m happy where I am. I would like to stay.”
What Alonso still loves about Formula 1
He still feels “fresh and motivated” and is “excited” about the second year under the new Formula 1 regulations, the new track in Las Vegas and the possible comeback in South Africa, says Alonso.
He also feels “fast” in the 2022 season. “Last year I had more difficulties, but this year I feel like I’m one hundred percent. And my head is completely in Formula 1.”
But if Alonso can still play at the top physically at the age of 40? The former world champion waves it off: “I feel very fresh, my reactions are as good as ever.”
“There are signs in your body and you’re the first to admit when it’s getting a little too much. That’s never been the case for me in the car. I always feel very good.”
“But in 2018, for example, I had a lot of marketing tasks and had to travel a lot. I was mentally exhausted then, not good at driving. Now I’m very fresh, also when it comes to travel. I just enjoy it.”