Fernando Alonso Reveals Surprising Favorite Part of His Racing Career Outside F1
In Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso opens up about his passion for karting, highlighting it as the most enjoyable aspect of his motorsport journey, contrary to expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- Karting Passion: Alonso, despite his illustrious Formula 1 career, reminisces about his karting days with fondness, citing a sense of freedom and adrenaline as the driving forces behind his love for the sport.
- Age-Defying Spirit: As the oldest driver in Formula 1 at 42, Alonso’s enduring enthusiasm for racing echoes that of a younger competitor, with ambitions to continue racing until at least the age of 50.
- Drive to Survive Season 6: Set to premiere on 23 February, the upcoming season of the popular docuseries promises to capture more gripping moments and controversies from the 2023 season, coinciding with the conclusion of Formula 1’s 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Despite boasting an extensive Formula 1 career spanning over two decades, which includes clinching two world championships and participating in over 380 Grands Prix, Alonso’s revelation about his affinity for karting stands out as a testament to the allure of grassroots racing.
At 42, Alonso currently holds the title of the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid. Yet, his unwavering passion for the sport and relentless pursuit of victory reflect a youthful spirit, with the Spaniard expressing his desire to prolong his racing career well into his 50s.
Reflecting on his karting days, Alonso expressed, “Karting has been for me, probably the best part of my racing career.” He elaborated, “When you start racing and you jump in a go-kart for the first time, there is some kind of freedom.”
He continued, “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].”
In light of Lewis Hamilton’s recent announcement regarding his move to Ferrari in 2025, speculation arises about potential vacancies at Mercedes for the 2026 season, with Alonso emerging as a possible contender.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of Drive to Survive Season 6 on 23 February, coinciding with the culmination of Formula 1’s 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain, the stage is set for another thrilling portrayal of the highs and lows of the sport.
