(Motorsport-Total.com) – Even at the proud age of 44, Fernando Alonso is firmly convinced: “I am the best, and I don’t have to prove that to anyone.”
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These are the words of the two-time world champion on media day in Montreal. This is his answer to the question of how to measure one’s own progress as a driver when the car is not competitive. After all, the AMR26 is not yet considered a lucky find.
“I don’t compare anything,” explains the Aston Martin driver. “I am the best, and I don’t have to prove that to anyone. I don’t have to feel anything specific to believe that I am operating at the right level.”
Nevertheless, Alonso emphasizes: “If I go to a kart track and I’m not the fastest there, then I worry.”
“If I sit in a GT car and I’m not the fastest, then I worry. Meanwhile, I go exactly there and am still the fastest. So when I come to the track for a Formula 1 weekend, it’s only a matter of time until I have a better car.”
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Alonso explains his motivation as follows: “I am waiting for my chance and meanwhile trying to help the team and not lose the hunger you need to drive in Formula 1. So you drive in different categories, different cars, and test yourself in different racing series to feel competitive.”
It is questionable when his green single-seater will actually be ready to fight for world championship points or even Grand Prix wins. Major updates are planned at the earliest in the summer.
In any case, Alonso hopes that this is not his last season in Formula 1. This year, the newly minted father is driving his 23rd season in the pinnacle of motorsport. His last win is now 13 years in the past.
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