Alonso Rejects Claims of Fading Motivation in F1
Fernando Alonso has dismissed suggestions he lacks motivation, citing his recent efforts in Formula One and ambitions to add Le Mans and Indianapolis 500 wins to his career.
Fernando Alonso has described suggestions that he is lacking motivation as "absurd", responding directly to recent criticism from former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert and others. The two-time world champion, then 34, faced questions about his commitment after a difficult period with McLaren-Honda, but insisted his drive to compete remains undiminished.
Herbert, working as a pundit for Sky Sports F1, had suggested Alonso should consider retirement, citing an apparent lack of motivation. The remarks came after Alonso was forced to miss the Bahrain Grand Prix in April 2016, following a heavy crash at the Australian Grand Prix that left him with a pneumothorax and two broken ribs. Despite his injuries, Alonso lobbied the FIA for clearance to race, arguing that his desire to compete was stronger than ever.
Alonso responded by listing his recent performances: fighting for the championship until the final race in 2012, finishing second in 2013, outscoring team-mate Kimi Räikkönen by a wide margin in 2014, and physically pushing his stricken McLaren in Hungary in 2015. "You can say anything about me, I'm slow, I'm old, I'm ugly, but not that I'm unmotivated," he told Spanish newspaper AS.
Ambitions Beyond Formula One
Alonso also made clear that his career goals extended beyond Formula One. He cited the so-called Triple Crown of motorsport, victories at Monaco, Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500, as a continuing ambition. While acknowledging the difficulty of winning all three, he described the challenge as a major motivator.
The Spaniard's comments followed a public confrontation with Herbert in Bahrain, where Alonso challenged the former driver's assessment on air. The exchange highlighted the scrutiny faced by established drivers during difficult seasons, especially when recovering from injury or competing in underperforming machinery.
Recent Results and Ongoing Commitment
Since his return to McLaren in 2015, Alonso endured a string of uncompetitive campaigns as the team struggled with Honda power units. Despite the lack of results, he consistently outperformed team-mates and remained involved in car development. His willingness to return to the cockpit so soon after injury was cited as further evidence of his commitment to the sport.
Alonso's mother expressed concern for his wellbeing following the Australian crash and his immediate return to the paddock, a sentiment Alonso contrasted with Herbert's claim that he was ready to retire. The episode underlined the pressures and expectations on high-profile drivers, particularly during periods of poor team performance.
The 2016 season continued with the Russian Grand Prix on 1 May, with Alonso maintaining his stance that he remained as motivated as ever to compete and succeed at the highest level.
Related reading
- /alonso-found-happiness-at-mclaren-honda, Alonso Finds Contentment in McLaren-Honda F1 Rebuild
- /mclaren-wants-to-keep-alonso-beyond-2017, McLaren Keen to Retain Alonso Beyond 2017 as Recovery Continues
