Fernando Alonso revealed that his love for the world of motorsport prevented him from retiring in 2018.
Alonso recently discussed his retirement plans, but has not yet set a date for his departure. The Spanish driver recalls the moment in 2018 when he decided to leave Formula 1, but ended up changing his mind.
He explained that he reconsidered his retirement decision and realized it wasn’t the right choice for him, so he continued racing. During this period, the two-time world champion competed at an undisclosed location. Alonso acknowledged how Formula 1 has evolved in the last 20 years since he started. However, when he entered the sport, engineers were not able to provide detailed explanations about the cars, while now there have been significant advancements.
Alonso mentioned that there were no simulators available at that time, so he had to walk around the circuit the day before each race to familiarize himself with all the turns and corners. Nowadays, drivers are much more prepared and spend a significant amount of time practicing on simulators, completing around 200 to 300 laps on the virtual track. This allows them to familiarize themselves with all the details, including the bumps, curves, and even the kerbs, before going to the real track.
Fernando Alonso believes that driving Formula 1 cars is much easier now compared to when he entered the sport. He expressed his admiration for the current generation of drivers, highlighting the positive aspects of their experience. Alonso acknowledged that in the past, driving Formula 1 required greater physical and mental effort, making it more heroic. However, with advancements like simulators, the overall experience has become more understandable and accessible.
The 42-year-old pilot explained how he felt unique when he started and participated in events, as he received respect from everyone. Alonso was seen as one of the heroes who drove these incredibly fast cars, which elevated his status as a prominent figure in the eyes of others.
Alonso certainly believes that Formula 1 has become much easier now, in a positive way, compared to 20 years ago. He is pleased that new pilots have a clear view of the track before the race, thanks to advancements that were not available during his early years.
