Alonso: Every Decision Made Me Who I Am; No F1 Career Regrets

Alonso: Every Decision Made Me Who I Am; No F1 Career Regrets

Why it matters: Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion with a career often scrutinized for team choices and near-misses, offers a deep reflection on his journey, asserting that he wouldn't change a thing. His perspective provides insight into the mindset of a driver who has navigated the pinnacle of motorsport for over two decades.

What he said: Alonso, in a recent interview with Aston Martin’s Principal Partner Maaden, addressed the concept of regrets head-on.

"It's a very narrow line between greatness and big disappointments." He cited the agonizing 2010 championship loss in Abu Dhabi as a prime example of a moment he initially wished to alter. "In 2010, we were very close to winning the championship... It's one of those moments you would love to go back 24 hours in time and do things differently. It's a big opportunity to win a championship and then you lose it in an hour and a half." However, he quickly emphasized the transformative nature of such experiences: "In the moment, you think it's the end of the world, but the sun comes and it's a new day... You will understand that it had to happen to find yourself in a new situation." Ultimately, Alonso firmly stated that all his choices, including ventures into WEC, IndyCar, Dakar, and Daytona, were crucial. "If I changed something, I would not be who I am now... I think all the decisions I made, all the mistakes and good things, had to happen. They were there for a reason."

The big picture: Alonso's storied career began in 2001, culminating in back-to-back world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, ending the dominant Schumacher-Ferrari era.

• He experienced a controversial year at McLaren in 2007, where he, alongside rookie Lewis Hamilton, lost the championship to Kimi Räikkönen by a single point due to internal strife.
• His subsequent move to Ferrari saw him challenge for titles in 2010 and 2012, both narrowly lost to Sebastian Vettel in the final races.
• After a difficult second stint with McLaren, he took a hiatus from F1 at the end of 2018 to explore other racing disciplines, enriching his experience as a driver and person.

What's next: Returning to F1 with Alpine in 2021, Alonso found a new competitive edge with Aston Martin in 2023, securing multiple podium finishes and nearly achieving his 33rd career victory. Looking ahead to 2026, and with Adrian Newey's potential influence, Alonso, at 45, remains optimistic about pursuing his elusive third world title.