F1 News: Fernando Alonso Best Part Of His Career And It Isn't Formula 1
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, returning to the premier class of motorsport in 2021 after a brief retirement, disclosed in Netflix's F1-based docu-series Drive to Survive, that out of all his motorsport experiences, he found the most enjoyment in karting, and not Formula 1.
Key Takeaways:
- Karting Passion: In Netflix's Drive to Survive, Fernando Alonso shared that, despite his extensive Formula 1 career, karting holds the fondest memories for him, offering a sense of freedom and adrenaline.
- Age-Defying Spirit: At 42, the oldest F1 driver, Alonso's enthusiasm for racing mirrors that of a younger driver. He aims to continue racing until at least the age of 50.
- Drive to Survive Season 6: Premiering on 23 February, the upcoming season promises more thrilling action and controversies from the 2023 season, coinciding with the end of Formula 1's 2024 pre-season test in Bahrain.
Despite having accumulated over 20 years of experience in Formula 1, including crossing the 380 Grands Prix mark and securing two world championships, Alonso's disclosure about enjoying karting the most is noteworthy.
At 42 years old, he currently holds the title of the oldest driver in Formula 1. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for racing and the desire to win mirror that of a young driver, leading the Spaniard to express his intention to continue racing until the age of 50, at least.
However, speaking about his karting days, which he enjoyed the most as it gave him a sense of freedom, here's what Alonso revealed in the docuseries:
“Karting has been for me, probably the best part of my racing career.
“I’ve been in go-karts for more than 15 years and probably the best memories come from that part of my life.
“When you start racing and you jump in a go-kart for the first time, there is some kind of freedom.
“As a kid, you normally follow your parents and your friends and your teachers and school. Everything is always behind some rules.
“The first time you are behind the wheel, you are yourself. You are alone on a racetrack. That feeling I think, together with the speed, together with adrenaline is something that is difficult not to fall in love [with].”
After Lewis Hamilton's shock announcement from early this month of his move to Ferrari in 2025, Alonso might be considered for a Mercedes seat next year as the Brackley outfit looks out for a suitable replacement.
Scheduled to premiere on 23 February, which aligns with the concluding day of Formula 1's 2024 pre-season test in Bahrain, Drive to Survive's upcoming season promises to deliver another thrilling instalment of high-speed action and controversies of the 2023 season.