Fernando Alonso admits he ‘couldn’t stop’ racing even after deciding to retire from F1 in 2018

Recently, Fernando Alonso talked about his retirement plans, but the plan is not executing and he’s not set a date for his retirement. The Spaniard recalls the time in 2018 where he decided to stophis time in Formula one but said goodbye to that thought.

Fernando Alonso explained that he reconsidered his decision to retire, realizing it wasn’t the right choice, so he continued racing. The two-time world champion raced at Le Mans during this period. The Spaniard noted how Formula 1 has changed in past 20 years since he started. However, when he joined, engineers couldn’t explain about cars to him, but now the sport has progressed a lot over the years.

In 2018 I thought it was my last season and I said goodbye to F1, thinking it was enough for my career, I discovered that, even when I decided to stop, I couldn't. I remember that when I came to Formula 1 20 years ago, the engineer was not able to explain anything to me about the car.

Fernando Alonso explained on SoyMotor.com

The Spaniard told they didn’t had any simulators that time, so the day before each race he had to walk around the circuit to know about all the turns and corners. Nowadays, drivers are much more prepared, they spend a lot of time practicing on simulators around 200 to 300 laps on the track. This helps them know every detail the bumps, turns, and even curbs really well before they get on real track.

We didn't have simulators, so each circuit I went to I had to learn the day before by walking. Now, the drivers prepare very well, they do between 200 and 300 laps of the circuit on which they are going to race, so they know perfectly every bump, every curve, every curb.

Fernando Alonso added

Fernando Alonso claims he was a ‘hero’ who drove super-fast cars

Fernando Alonso reckoned driving F1 cars is much simpler now than the time he entered in F1. He expressed that how easy it is for the current generation but in a positive way. The Spaniard reckoned it was seen as more heroic in the past because it required greater physical and mental effort. Alonso says due to advancements like simulators it’s better to understand overall experience now.

It is, in a good way, easier for drivers of this generation to drive Formula 1 cars. Before it was more heroic, things are 'simpler' now. Not in a bad way, it is quite clear that now, without going any further, with the simulators, things are slightly better.

Fernando Alonso stated

The 42-year-old explained how unique it felt when he started and arrived at events, receiving respect from everyone. People viewed Alonso as one of the heroes who drove these incredibly fast cars, which made him a prominent figure in their eyes.

It's a unique feeling, not sad at all. I remember when I first started and arrived at events, I felt a sense of respect towards me. People saw me as one of the heroes who drove these incredibly fast cars.

Fernando Alonso added

Certainly, Alonso thinks F1 has become much more easy now, in a positive way, than what it used to be 20 years back. Alonso is happy for the new drivers who gets a clear vision of the track before the race due to advancements which was not possible during his initial times.

In case you missed it:

• Ex-F1 champion claims Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton “not putting his best” at Mercedes
• McLaren claims to have seen an ‘acceleration’ in Oscar Piastri’s ‘speed and racecraft’ since the Chinese GP

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW