Fernando Alonso has stated that he chose to return to Formula 1 due to his concerns about the dangers associated with Indycar racing.
The Spanish driver, who is now 42 years old, stepped away from Formula 1 following the challenges with McLaren-Honda but made his return last year. He has been receiving praise for his continued speed and performance, while also demonstrating personal growth.
Discussing his decision to return to Formula 1, Alonso explained, “The most difficult challenge I had in front of me and on the table was to return to Formula 1 and try to win.”
He continued, “Perhaps there was no precedent for it, and I liked it – it was attractive.”
Alonso shared that the idea to return took root after a short sabbatical in 2020, saying, “There was a moment when the idea of returning seriously came to me. I think it was just after the pandemic, in 2020. Formula 1 was delayed for a few months, like everyone else, because we were all locked up.”
“In those months of lockdown, while we were at home, I had just finished the Dakar Rally, and I had to think about the next challenge I wanted to face.”
“I knew I wanted to do Dakar again, but that is one race a year, and I know I will do that again. I wanted a program that would complete the season a bit more.”
“I remember watching a race at home, on the sofa, one of the first after the pandemic. I don’t know why I said ‘I’m going to try to return to Formula 1’.”
“Of all the challenges that remain for me after Le Mans, Indy, the Dakar, the most difficult challenge seemed to be to return to F1 to try to win.”
“The difficulty of Le Mans was already in the past, and I had won the world championship too. I didn’t really want to return to Indy because of the risk of the oval and the speeds, and with Dakar, I knew I was going to return but when I’m older.”
