Alonso feels like his old self: 'I'm racing 100 per cent again'

Fernando Alonso has been active in Formula 1 for two years now, having actually retired. Of quitting, the Spaniard does not want to know. His move to Aston Martin means he wants to be active at the highest level for years to come.

About his first season after his comeback, Alonso was not satisfied. Back then, he said he was at 80 per cent of his ability. Last season, the world saw the old Alonso again, who, because of technical problems with his Alpine, did not always get the reward for that. "When you have been away for two years, it takes a season to get back to top level. Now I am racing 100 per cent again," Alonso told Auto, Motor und Sport.

No third title

A major reason for Alonso's return to Formula 1 was the rulebook change. It was actually supposed to take effect as early as 2021, but because of Covid, everything was pushed back a year. With more equivalent cars, Alonso hoped to finally realise his big dream: winning a third world title. It hasn't come to that (yet). Indeed, even taking victories and podium finishes did not succeed (apart from a podium in Qatar 2021).

It caused disappointment for Alonso, he says: "It was a bit disappointing for everyone to realise that things haven't changed drastically. There are at most two teams that can win races, as was the case in recent years. And the gap between the top two or three teams and the midfield is still too big. In 50 per cent of races, we are a lap behind the winner. As a result, with the rule change, we have not yet achieved the result that Formula 1 envisaged."

At Aston Martin, Alonso hopes to have a better chance of wins and the title. The team's goal is to be a top team in the short term, but last year Aston Martin was mostly found (at the back) of the midfield.