Alonso Reflects on Decade-Long F1 Win Drought: 'Doesn't Sound Right'
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 world champion, openly discusses his feelings about a prolonged period without a victory, stating that a decade without a top-step podium finish \"doesn't sound right.\" His last triumph dates back to the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, marking his 32nd career win. Since then, opportunities for a 33rd victory have been exceptionally rare, leading him to reflect on his journey and the factors influencing his results.
Alonso's career post-2013 has been marked by a series of challenges. His time with Ferrari in 2014 saw a decline in performance following the introduction of the V6 turbo-hybrid engines. A subsequent move to McLaren, driven by the allure of a works Honda partnership, proved to be a significant setback. Even a switch to Renault engines in 2018 failed to bring substantial improvement, as the team's chassis development lagged. These struggles eventually led Alonso to take a two-year break from Formula 1 before returning in 2021 with Alpine. Although he didn't contend for wins directly, he played a crucial role in Esteban Ocon's maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix that year. His frustrations with Alpine's power unit issues in 2022 prompted a move to Aston Martin. While the 2023 season started promisingly, with the AMR23 showing strong performance, tactical missteps, such as an ill-timed tire change at Monaco, often thwarted his chances of victory, leaving him to settle for second place behind Max Verstappen.
Considering his extensive career of over 400 Grand Prix starts, Alonso views his fortunes as largely balanced, with periods of both good and bad luck evening out over time. He cites an instance at the 2019 Le Mans, where an unexpected stroke of luck, involving a rival's tire issues, paved the way for his second win. However, he remains deeply bothered by his inability to secure another F1 victory for such a long duration. This season alone, he estimates having lost 22 points due to various misfortunes in races where his car was competitive. He notes a pattern where competitive races often bring bad luck, while less competitive weekends tend to run smoothly but yield no points. He emphasizes the immense effort required to earn every single point, especially when the car's performance limits him to one or two points per weekend, making the loss of 22 points feel substantial. Alonso hopes for "normal luck" in the upcoming season, believing that with a capable car, a long-awaited victory could finally materialize.
Fernando Alonso's enduring passion for Formula 1, despite the challenges and prolonged absence from the top step of the podium, serves as an inspiration to persevere in the face of adversity. His continued dedication and belief in his abilities highlight the importance of resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Even when confronted with bad luck and strategic setbacks, Alonso's focus on future opportunities and his desire to compete at the highest level embody a positive and forward-looking spirit. His journey reminds us that true champions not only celebrate their successes but also learn from their struggles, constantly striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.