Fernando Alonso’s F1 Comeback: The Hidden Struggle for Pace

Drivers often face underestimated challenges when adapting to new teams and cars. Carlos Sainz, who has changed teams four times since his 2015 debut, frequently highlights this difficulty.

Returning to Formula 1 after a two-season absence presents an even greater challenge. This is the exact situation Fernando Alonso encountered.

“As a driver, you cannot have ego, because that would hold you back and not help you at all.”

Two Years Away from F1

Fernando Alonso departed Formula 1 at the end of 2018. He then competed in the WEC, American IMSA series, the Indianapolis 500, and the Dakar Rally.

Alonso missed Formula 1’s technology and competitiveness after two seasons in other disciplines. He confirmed his signing with Alpine in the summer of 2020 for the subsequent two seasons.

Fernando Alonso appeared to perform at a very high level immediately. He later admitted the return proved more difficult than he anticipated.

Fernando Alonso overcame his two-year inactivity in F1 to shine with Alpine in 2021 and 2022.

The Stopwatch Doesn’t Lie

Fernando Alonso told DAZN he believed he was at the same level in 2021 as he was in 2018. The stopwatch, however, indicated otherwise.

“The stopwatch showed I was a few tenths of a second slower,” Alonso revealed. “I also had no idea how to recover those tenths of a second because I was already at the limit.”

Alonso accepted his limitations instead of denying them. He worked intensively to regain his speed, a level he maintains today at 44 years old.

“As a driver, you cannot have ego, because that would hold you back and not help you at all,” the Aston Martin driver concluded. “However, you need a lot of self-confidence, and this must be unwavering. It is difficult to find the right balance between self-confidence and ego.”

Fernando Alonso has completed five Formula 1 seasons since that challenging period. He is now preparing for his sixth, marking his 23rd season since his 2001 debut with Minardi.