Fernando Alonso Contemplates Future in F1 Amid 2024’s Demanding Schedule

In a candid revelation, Fernando Alonso expresses concern over the intense 2024 Formula 1 calendar, hinting at possible retirement. The Aston Martin driver’s comments highlight the physical and mental toll of the sport’s grueling schedule.

Key Takeaways:

• Alonso’s Pace and Retirement Considerations: Fernando Alonso, a seasoned F1 driver with two championship titles and numerous other racing achievements, maintains confidence in his racing pace. However, he asserts that the demanding F1 schedule, particularly the 2024 triple-header, might lead to his retirement, stating that he will step down the day he feels his performance has declined.
• 2023 Season and 2024 Calendar Challenges: Despite the 2023 season having 22 races with two cancellations, Alonso found it demanding. He is apprehensive about the 2024 season, which includes a challenging triple-header featuring the Las Vegas GP, Qatar GP, and Abu Dhabi GP, potentially draining his “battery.”
• Alonso’s Dedication and Performance: Returning to F1 in 2021 after a brief exit, Alonso joined Aston Martin in 2023 and achieved eight podium finishes. At 42, he remains competitive and dedicated, but acknowledges that the increasing demands of the F1 calendar could influence his decision to retire.

Fernando Alonso, the experienced and celebrated Aston Martin driver, has recently voiced concerns over the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 calendar, specifically pointing out the difficulties posed by the intense racing schedule. This statement comes as a significant insight into the mindset of one of F1’s most renowned drivers.

Alonso, who has a rich history in the sport with two F1 championship titles, a win at the Le Mans 24 Hours, and the 2018-2019 World Endurance title, is no stranger to the demands of high-level racing. His participation in events like the Indianapolis 500 further cements his status as a versatile and enduring figure in motorsports.

His return to Formula 1 in 2021 with Alpine, following a hiatus at the end of 2018, marked a significant moment in the sport. Alonso’s move to Aston Martin in 2023 resulted in an impressive eight podium finishes, defying age-related expectations at 42. This performance demonstrates his unwavering commitment and skill in the sport.

However, Alonso’s recent statements shed light on the other side of the coin – the physical and mental strain of Formula 1’s rigorous schedule. He remarked, “To be competitive, to feel the speed again, and to arrive to the weekend again knowing that you need to do everything perfect because there is a podium possibility or a race win possibility, that really gives you a very different approach and a very different love for the things you do and dedications.”

He continues, “I said many times even before 2018, the day that I will stop racing is not because I feel not motivated for driving or I feel slow. If I feel slow one day, I think it will be noticeable and think I will not be happy with my performance and I will be the first one to raise my hand and say ‘this is time [to stop]’. But, I don’t think that time will arrive. Honestly, in terms of feeling slow, because I have extreme self-confidence in my performance, it could be that with the calendar and with the demanding schedule that one day I will feel it’s time – because there are other things in life.”

The 2023 season, albeit slightly shorter due to cancellations, still posed significant challenges. Looking ahead, the 2024 season with its triple-header finale, including races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, appears to be a particular concern for Alonso. He notes, “It’s been a very demanding season [2023] with only 22 races, with two cancellations. Next year with the proper [24-round] calendar, we have to see how it feels. I saw that it’s a triple-header. I don’t know why, I thought that Vegas was alone next year… It’s three races together. These kinds of things will drain my battery, not driving.”

This honest admission from a seasoned driver like Alonso puts into perspective the immense pressures and demands of Formula 1 racing. As the sport continues to evolve, the balance between maintaining a competitive calendar and ensuring the well-being of its drivers remains a crucial consideration. Alonso’s future in the sport, while uncertain, highlights the impact of F1’s evolving landscape on even its most experienced participants.