Fernando Alonso pinpoints remaining ‘big challenge’ outside F1

Fernando Alonso pondered over the pending challenge he had in his life apart from racing in Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso pinpoints remaining ‘big challenge’ outside F1

Fernando Alonso (via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso is a highly achieved individual not only in Formula 1 but also in other major motorsport categories. The Asturian made his mark after winning the WEC and the 24h of Le Mans during his hiatus from Formula 1. However, Alonso is yet to win the Dakar Rally as he pinpointed the remaining challenge apart from the pinnacle of motorsport.

Fernando Alonso recently signed a two-year contract extension with Aston Martin despite being the oldest driver on the grid. Alonso has showcased great speed and pace regardless of his age. The 43-year-old had previously opened up regarding the pending ‘triple crown’ that would be finished only after he won the Dakar Rally.

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Amidst the preparations for the 2025 season, Alonso reckoned that winning the Dakar Rally was still one of his challenges. The Asturian highlighted that a driver has to listen to the co-passenger while driving the car and still have both feet on the pedal. The veteran noted that racing in Dakar was a completely different experience from Formula 1 due to the difference in driving styles.

One of the challenges that I still have to win is the Dakar, or rallies in general, in rallies you have a co-driver next to you who tells you the route, but you also have to keep both feet on the pedal for almost the entire stage before that is how you stabilize the rally cars. You also have to play with the weight when cornering and braking. It is a completely different technology to that of formula cars, because if you do it there you burn the brakes and consume a lot of fuel.

Fernando Alonso said on the Asi empece Podcast

Fernando Alonso won’t be able to ‘quit racing’ after driving for over 40 years

Fernando Alonso has been racing in Formula 1 for the past 24 years and won’t be able to just quit it overnight. The Asturian pointed out that he had been driving different sorts of cars since he was just three years old. As a result, Alonso reckoned that he wouldn’t be able to just stop driving one night and never drive again in his life.

I love racing. I had a steering wheel in my hand when I was three years old. Now I’m 43, so I’ve been driving for 40 years. I imagine it won’t be possible to stop for one night and never drive again.

Fernando Alonso added
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso (Via: Imago)

Aston Martin’s performance in the 2024 season was dissatisfactory, to say the least. The team has acquired Red Bull’s Adrian Newey and is looking to showcase a substantial performance improvement. The Silverstone-based constructor might even contend for the world championship under Newey’s brilliance.

As a result, Alonso’s career is still looking as exciting as ever despite racing in his final few years in Formula 1. Time will tell about what the 43-year-old does following his exit from the pinnacle of motorsport. Regardless, the Asturian’s current focus would be to showcase his best results in the upcoming season.