F1: Fernando Alonso left Ferrari because 'it was enough'
Fernando Alonso revealed that he joined McLaren not only to tackle a great challenge, but also because his time at Ferrari was leaving him mentally exhausted.
The double World Champion left Ferrari at the end of 2014, preferring to take on the bold risk inherent in the rebirth of the partnership between the McLaren team and engine manufacturer Honda. The new Japanese V6 turbo hybrid engine is still far from its full potential, but McLaren nonetheless hopes to score its first points of the 2015 season during this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. For Alonso, the road to a much sought-after third title might be long and difficult. In Malaysia two weeks ago, Ferrari celebrated its first victory in nearly two years. But Alonso insists that he does not feel a twinge of regret... Not for the moment, at least. “I spent five years at Ferrari, finished second three times, and I didn't want to finish second a fourth time”, he calmly commented in the Shanghai paddock. “If they win the championship at the end of the year, then maybe I'll have a different opinion”, he however conceded.
Alonso invested massive efforts at Ferrari between 2010 and 2014. But it was becoming clear that his victories, as impressive as they were with cars less competitive than those of his rivals, were no longer inspiring him. “I had five fantastic years and we came very close two times to win the championship, so I only have good memories and good feelings, but it was enough. To keep doing laps, year after year, was not my motivation anymore.” Taking on the McLaren-Honda challenge “makes me happy and full”, explained Alonso. “(At Ferrari), I was not happy with my mind and my soul any more.” “There are times, when you arrive at a maturity and state of mind, that there are different priorities in life”, added the 33-year-old driver. In regards to McLaren's future competitiveness, “it's just a question of time”, he stated. “Definitely, the direction we are going in is the right one. You can get lost when you are so far behind but I don't think we are lost, so it's just a question of time. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later.”
As could be expected due to his multi-year contract, Alonso hinted that his current team would be his last in F1. “I started with a McLaren-Honda replica built by my father when I was three years old, and I will finish with a McLaren-Honda, but a real one in Formula 1.” |
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