Fernando Alonso Reflects on a Winless Drought Since 2013
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 champion, has lamented his lengthy absence from the winner’s circle, stating that going without a win since 2013 “doesn’t sound right.” The veteran driver’s last triumph was at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, marking his 32nd career victory, yet ten years later, he finds himself still chasing that elusive 33rd win.
The Struggles of Alonso’s Later Career
After a decade filled with ups and downs, Alonso’s journey in F1 has been marked by a series of unfortunate events. His transition from Ferrari to Mclaren in 2015, lured by the promise of a competitive Honda engine, quickly turned disastrous.
Technical Challenges with Ferrari and McLaren
The 2014 Ferrari was deemed a step backward following the introduction of V6 turbo-hybrid engines, while Alonso’s time at McLaren saw him struggling with an uncompetitive car and reliability issues. Despite the team switching to Renault engines in 2018, progress remained elusive, leading Alonso to step away from F1 for two years.
A Promising Return with Alpine
Alonso made a much-anticipated return to the sport in 2021 with Alpine, where he played a crucial role in helping teammate Esteban Ocon secure a victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, dissatisfaction brewed as he faced a myriad of mechanical issues throughout the 2022 season.
New Opportunities at Aston Martin
In 2023, Alonso’s move to Aston Martin promised fresh hope, particularly after the AMR23 demonstrated early competitiveness against Red Bull’s RB19. Yet, despite several podium finishes, the taste of victory remained elusive.
The Monaco Grand Prix Miss
Many believe the Monaco Grand Prix presented Aston Martin’s best chance for a win, only to be thwarted by a poorly-timed slick tyre stop, which ultimately handed the race to Max Verstappen. Alonso has since branded himself one of F1’s unluckiest drivers—a sentiment echoed by his inability to capitalise on his evident talent.
A Balance of Luck and Skill
Alonso reflected on his long career, suggesting that the balance of good and bad luck is a part of racing. Despite the frustrations, he believes that many factors have equalized over his 418 races.
The Toll of Missed Points
This season, Alonso estimates he has lost approximately 22 points due to misfortunes during crucial phases of races, further complicating an already challenging year. “It’s a shame that we cannot finish the races on merit when we are in the points,” he lamented, indicating a struggle between competitive weekends and mechanical reliability.
Looking Ahead
As Alonso looks toward the next season, he acknowledges the importance of being in a competitive car, hoping for “normal luck” to accompany his efforts. While the loss of 22 points may seem trivial in the broader context, for Alonso—where every point counts in a tight grid—it represents a significant missed opportunity.
Fernando Alonso’s quest for his 33rd F1 victory continues, and as the sport evolves, he remains resolute, hoping to turn the tide before stepping away from a grid where his legacy deserves a fitting conclusion.