Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion with an impressive record of 32 race wins, admits that there were moments in the past when his self-confidence in his driving skills veered towards “overconfidence.”
Alonso has had a diverse and eventful history in Formula 1, often oscillating between being hailed as a hero or being criticized as a villain. His on-track performances have mirrored this trajectory. He experienced early success in the sport, clinching the World Championship titles in 2005 and 2006. However, it has been a decade since the 41-year-old Spaniard last tasted victory champagne, which he did at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.
In recent times, Alonso has made a remarkable comeback, solidifying his status as a hero once again. As a driver for Aston Martin, he has emerged as the strongest contender against Red Bull, securing four podium finishes and currently occupying third place in the Drivers’ standings.
During the Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday, Alonso showcased his competitive spirit by challenging Max Verstappen for pole position, narrowly missing out by a mere 0.084 seconds. However, with a front row grid slot for the second consecutive race, Alonso is relishing the opportunity to demonstrate to new Formula 1 fans that his unwavering self-confidence, which can sometimes border on “overconfidence,” is justified.
Alonso expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It feels great. I always had self-confidence in what I could do in terms of driving – overconfidence sometimes – but that’s part of my DNA probably, but it is proof maybe for people outside.” He acknowledged that many new fans might have only seen him fighting to make it to the third qualifying session or retiring from races due to technical issues.
The veteran driver believes that these fans are now pleasantly surprised to witness him competing at the front of the grid. He added, “But for me, it’s just… it is okay, and I’m enjoying it, but it is more enjoyable that people or new fans can see that we are fast.”
Alonso’s speed was evident during Saturday’s qualifying session. As he crossed the finish line to secure provisional pole position, his mechanics celebrated the potential achievement. However, their jubilation quickly turned into disappointment when Verstappen completed his lap, relegating Alonso to second place.
Nonetheless, Alonso believes he pushed himself to the limit on the track, acknowledging that he took some risks during his qualifying laps. He emphasized that he will continue to give his all, aiming for success in future races, mentioning Singapore as a potential opportunity to shine. Alonso highlighted that his team needs to analyze the final sector of the circuit, which appears to be their weakest area, in order to make improvements.
As Fernando Alonso continues to impress with his performances and regain the attention of Formula 1 fans, his resilience and enduring self-confidence serve as a testament to his driving prowess and his determination to compete at the highest level of the sport.
