Fernando Alonso: “Winning a championship and a GP remains my priority at the moment”

Fernando Alonso will celebrate the 400 Grand Prix in Formula 1 next weekend at the GP of Mexico. An unprecedented figure that, for now, will only continue to rise, a display of commitment and determination that only he has achieved in over 70 years of sports history.

The two-time world champion entered a top-class single-seater for the first time on March 1, 2001. Since then he has given us, and motor enthusiasts, more than two decades full of magic.

Perhaps, since that debut Minardi The numbers do not do justice to the performance of the Asturian, without intending to discredit his incredible numbers in F1, he always gives the impression of even extracting every last drop from their respective cars, luck was not on his side. However, most pilots prefer to have an Asturian number.

In celebration of the incredible work of Fernando Alonsohis team Aston Martin has released some details of the pilot. That’s why the team chose some of the thousands of questions sent by ‘fans’ for that Alonso I answered them. His fans wanted to investigate a little more into his personality Fernandoasking him how he got his driver’s license or the challenges ahead, in addition to being interested in aspects related to F1 as well; how it progressed or who you want your final race to be against.

‘Aston Martin F1 Team’ has been published on its official website, a complete transcription of the interview and an audio generated by ‘IA.lonso’ where you can hear the Asturian’s own voice, the answers found in the text.

At what age did you get your driver’s license and did you pass it the first time?

“In 18 years old, for the first time. I have been waiting for my driver’s license since I was 16 or 15 years old. I was counting the days and then I remembered that my birthday was in July, but in August all the exams were closed and the schools were closed for the driving license, so I had to wait until September, which for me that month is about a year ago past. And then, in September, I passed the exam on the first try. It’s a bit stressful, but it’s good,” she replied. Fernando.

How does it feel to be on the podium? Is there anything in particular you’re looking for or thinking about?

“Feeling is one thing really special because it’s the end of a weekend. It’s not just about Sunday’s race. When you’re on the podium, you think about Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday; the preparation for the race, the conversations with your engineers, with your mechanics, the arrangement of the work done in free practice; the qualifying lap that must be really special to start with the lead, and then the race, where a lot of things can happen. There’s the start, the first lap action, the pit stop, the approach, the safety cars. There are so many things that, when you’re on the podium, “It should be a mix of everything that went perfect that weekend and that race,” featured the two-time world champion.

“The first thing I do when I’m on the podium is look down and see the whole team: mechanics, engineers, marketing people, kitchen people. Everyone was there celebrating that moment. And then I wonder who is watching me on television at home: my family, my friends and I hope they will be as proud as I am on the podium”, the pilot ended Aston Martin.

How do you think the sport has evolved since you started and how has your approach as a driver adapted to stay competitive over the years?

I think F1 has evolved in many ways over the 22 years I’ve been in the sport. I think the most safety is important. I will say that F1 has introduced some safety features that definitely help the sport. Circuits are also more willing to host F1 races. The cars, the equipment we have and use in the races, the pit stops… “All the things that happen in a race weekend are a bit safer now thanks to all the teams and the FIA,” Alonso explained.

“I think so In terms of performance and specs, not much has changed. I think he is The F1 DNA remains the same: let’s start the Sunday of 20 pilots and we want to reach the finish line as soon as possible. Technology has evolved. Today we have hybrid engines. We have very good fuel consumption. We have different tires, but now the same manufacturer for everyone Pirelliso you always try to learn new things about these changes to stay competitive,” concluded the pilot of Aston Martin.

What do you like to do most outside of F1?

“Usually, the Sport is my first choice and my favorite activity outside of F1. When I’m at home, I’m not a person who likes to sit in front of the TV.. I am a very active person, so going to the gym, playing paddle tennis with my friends, tennis, cycling, soccer, “Anything related to sports will make my day happier and better,” declared the Asturian.

“But I also spend time with my family. We spend 250 days a year, competing around the world, and then, When I’m at home, I like to spend time with my family.i want to go to a restaurant with them, enjoy a delicious dinner and also relax. So, lHis moments that are routine and normal for most, are luxury for me. “I enjoy being a normal person outside of F1.”he explained Fernando Alonso.

Who would you want to race against in your final race?

“It’s not easy. Probably, for now, I would choose Max Verstappen. i will choose Lewis Hamilton. And thirdly, I’m thinking of a different category, not F1. Maybe I will choose Sebastien Ogierof ‘rallies’. I would take them to different kart tracks and we would spend some great afternoons battling and just enjoying ourselves. “It would be a perfect plan.”

Do you have other goals you want to achieve outside of F1?

I think we all have goals outside of our professional activity. On a personal level, there are always things you want to achieve. In my case, it’s to have my own family one day. It’s something I’ve been delaying and putting off because F1 is very demanding and I’m not at home. That would be a goal on a personal level.

“Professional, I would say that winning a championship and a Grand Prix is ​​still my priority at the moment, and doing it at Aston Martin. After Formula 1, maybe try participated in another rally in Dakar. “That is another one of my future goals after F1, and yes, to continue to enjoy life.”