Alonso Reflects on His 22nd Monaco Grand Prix and Enduring Belief in His Abilities

Fernando Alonso is set to compete in his 22nd Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit he calls home and where his enduring belief in his own abilities remains as strong as ever. Despite his last Formula 1 victory dating back to May 2013, the two-time world champion maintains a clear perspective on his current standing and future aspirations.

Maintaining Peak Performance

Alonso recently addressed his motivation, stating, “I don’t have to measure anything, I am the best. I don’t need to prove anything, I don’t need to feel anything to believe I am at the right level.” This unwavering self-assurance is a hallmark of his career, even as he navigates a period where Aston Martin seeks to maximize its competitive edge. He is focused on aiding the team’s development, particularly in preparation for the latter half of the season and beyond, with indications suggesting he will continue racing in 2027.

Alonso’s philosophy extends beyond Formula 1. He regularly tests himself in various racing disciplines, including karting and GT racing, to maintain his competitive edge. “If I go to a karting circuit and I’m not the fastest, then I will worry. If I get into a GT and I’m not the fastest, I will worry,” he explained. “As long as I continue to be the fastest, it’s just a matter of time before I have a better car.”

A Near Pole Position in Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix has provided moments of intense competition for Alonso. Two years prior, he narrowly missed out on pole position to Max Verstappen, and during a wet race, he harbored hopes of victory before Aston Martin’s strategic tire choice proved to be an error as the track dried. His sustained performance against his teammate is also noteworthy; he has outperformed Lance Stroll in qualifying for the last 41 consecutive sessions, dating back to Hungary in 2024. This statistic underscores Alonso’s consistent ability to extract maximum performance from the car on Saturdays.

Recalling His F1 Debut

Reflecting on his 2001 debut with Minardi, Alonso described the transition to Formula 1 as profoundly impactful. “I would say that the debut season is always the most impactful because you always notice the difference between other categories and Formula 1,” he recalled. The heightened level of media attention, the off-track commitments, and the sheer scale of the sport were significant. While the cars themselves are only marginally faster than those in lower formulas, it is the entirety of the Formula 1 circus that presents a considerable challenge. “The car itself is just a bit faster, the older brother of the car you drove before and that doesn’t intimidate. But the rest of the things that are not behind the wheel, they do intimidate a little, it’s a big difference.”

Datos clave

Alonso’s perspective offers valuable insight into the mindset of a seasoned Formula 1 driver. His continued belief in his abilities, even without a top-tier car, and his dedication to self-improvement resonate with fans who appreciate his long and distinguished career. As he approaches his 22nd Monaco Grand Prix, his presence on the grid continues to be a significant event in the motorsport calendar.

Fuente: MARCA Futbol – https://www.marca.com/motor/formula1/gp-monaco/2026/06/01/alonso-22-monaco-sigue-viendo-mejor.html