Alonso: McLaren will be his last challenge

See Sebastian Vettel win at the wheel of a Ferrari in Malaysia could have irritated Fernando Alonso, who had left the Scuderia at the end of last year after five years chasing a world title that eluded him every time.

But the Spaniard, who joined McLaren-Honda at the beginning of the year, is sure of his choice and does not regret, for now, turning the Italian page of his career: « It’s a question I expected when Ferrari won the second race of the season while I, in the meantime, didn’t even reach Q2. But I spent five years at Ferrari and finished second in the drivers’ championship three times, and I didn’t want to finish second a fourth time. Maybe if they win the championship at the end of the year, my perspective will be different. But if they finish second or third, then I will be perfectly in agreement with my decision. We had very good season starts with Ferrari, we even won in China, here, in 2013, but what counts is November, and we never won in November. »

His need to set new goals and find a bit of freshness within another team was stronger than his love for Ferrari. That’s why he decided to join McLaren in 2015: « I had five fantastic years with Ferrari and we came very close to the title twice. I have very good memories and good feelings for them, but it was enough. It’s difficult, but I’m eager to start with a new team and a new project, I am fully satisfied and happy. »

He also specifies that his challenge at McLaren should be his last in Formula 1: « After 15, 16, or 17 years in Formula 1, that’s enough, I think. I will close this chapter of my life. I started in a replica of the McLaren-Honda built by my father when I was three years old, and I will end my career with a real McLaren-Honda. My normal life will begin the day I stop, and I don’t believe I will be here as a manager or in any other role to continue in this sport. »