Alonso: As a child I liked football more than racing

Fernando Alonso is the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history. The Spaniard has competed in 396 Grand Prix, and he has no intention of stopping. It is all the more surprising to hear that Fernando loved football more than karting as a child.

“I did not choose to become a racing driver. My father chose it and I had to accept it,” Fernando Alonso said at an Aston Martin sponsorship event in India. – I did my first kart race at the age of three, so you can imagine that this was not my choice. Father was very happy then, but mother less so.

When I was eight, nine, ten years old, I raced on the weekends and played football at school during the week. I was standing on the goal and I remember loving football more than racing. But I couldn’t tell my father this.

Hundreds and thousands play football, but in Formula 1 there are only twenty drivers. There is something attractive and exclusive about this! But no joke, I’ve missed a lot of things in life.

I didn’t have a normal school life, I missed a lot of classes. I just raced in different countries and then took exams, and I had some problems with that. I became a Formula 1 driver at the age of 19 and at the age of 29 I went to a disco for the first time. I’ve missed a lot.

And although I lack a lot, I am happy with my life. I don’t have children, but I want them to appear. I hope this won’t last many years. But now I am completely focused on Formula 1 – the next two to three years. I want to win a third title and right now that is my main and only priority.”

Fernando Alonso believes that Formula 1 drivers should recognize that they are role models and behave accordingly, even if they don’t want to: “Drivers and athletes basically have a great responsibility because they are role models for many people. Therefore, you must behave correctly.

You have to be a role model, both when you want to and when you don’t. Even if you want to say something wrong, you have to restrain yourself and give a politically correct answer.

There are days when you don’t want to train and prepare for the next Grand Prix, but you have to do it because you have a responsibility to the fans and the people who believe in you. I have met many fans around the world who love Formula 1 and say I inspire them because I never give up and have a fighting spirit. Such words remind you that there are many people watching everything you do. Therefore, the rider must behave correctly in public.

The fans share their love and support with you, motivate you and in return you bear a huge responsibility towards them.”