F1 champion Fernando Alonso BLAMES Mercedes over retirement decision

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, Imola, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 champion Alonso BLAMES Mercedes over retirement decision

An interesting revelation from the two-time world champion!

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson Chief Editor

Monday 15 July 2024 11:01 Updated: 21:19

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has named Mercedes' dominances as a key factor in his decision to step away from the sport in 2018.

Six years ago, the Spaniard called time on his career in Formula 1 after an unsuccessful stint with McLaren, with his best championship finish with the Woking-based outfit P10 in 2016.

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Following his 'retirement', Alonso went on to add another Le Mans 24-Hour win to his long list of achievements in 2019 and also competed in the infamously gruelling Dakar Rally in 2020.

Eventually, in 2021, Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine, but the former champion has now revealed a key factor in his decision to leave the sport in the first place.

Fernando Alonso now races for Aston Martin in F1

Why did Fernando Alonso retire from F1 in 2018?

Whilst Alonso is infamous for his radio messages regarding the Honda engine at the beginning of the hybrid era, one team that nailed that aspect of the regulations was Mercedes.

As a result, the Brackley-based outfit dominated the sport, winning eight consecutive constructors' titles between 2014 and 2021 and the drivers' title in all but one of those seasons.

That dominance has been referred to as an influencing factor in Alonso's 2018 decision.

"In 2018, when I stopped, I felt it was too predictable," Alonso explained to Marca.

Mercedes won eight constructors championships between 2014 and 2021

"The dominance of Mercedes was too much to really enjoy being part of the grid.

"We were just actors in Mercedes' movie, unable to fight at any point."

As mentioned above, Alonso returned to F1 in 2021, and after two years with Alpine, made the switch to Aston Martin, where he scooped up multiple podiums in 2023.

The Spaniard is set to remain in the sport for the foreseeable future, too, having signed a fresh deal with the Silverstone-based outfit earlier this season.