Share

Alonso 'not really' missing F1

Fernando Alonso says he is not missing Formula 1.

The two-time world champion quit at the end of last year, with many believing the reason was Alonso's struggle to find a competitive seat.

But Alonso insists that was not the reason.

"I would return if I wanted to," he told Spanish reporters.  

"Everyone said last year that I would not leave if I had a competitive car, but now I'm leaving a competitive car that is first and second in each race," Alonso said, referring to his decision to quit the world endurance championship.

"Unlike the Dakar or another category, I have nothing to prove in F1.  I retired with 21-0 to a teammate, which has never happened before.

"I didn't leave for competitiveness, but for the things I like to do or to take impossible challenges that I try to make possible," he added.

And so when asked if he misses F1, Alonso answered: "Not really.

"Of course I watch all the races and it's more of the same.  Some teams like Haas or Renault are a little worse than last year, and some like McLaren a little better.

"But Mercedes are first, Ferrari second and Red Bull third, which we have seen for many, many years.  Formula 1 is a championship that is about the performance of the car," said the Spaniard.

Nonetheless, Alonso is not ruling out a 2020 return to F1.

"Right now I do not know if it's going to be a full season somewhere or the odd races like this year," he added.

Finally, when asked about Ferrari's chances of beating Mercedes in 2019, Alonso answered: "It's always difficult to assess from the outside, as I only see what we see on TV.

"It has been four Mercedes 1-2s, but we have to wait because the championship is long.  Although it seems like they are too far away there is time to see an interesting championship," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()