Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has named Mercedes’ dominance as a key factor in his decision to retire from the sport in 2018.
Six years ago, the Spaniard took time out from his Formula 1 career after an unsuccessful stint at McLaren. He took the top championship in 2016 with the Woking-based P10 outfit.
After “retiring”, Alonso added another Le Mans 24 Hours to his long list of achievements in 2019 and also competed in the notoriously grueling Dakar Rally in 2020.
Alonso is finally back to F1 with Alpine in 2021, but the former champion has now revealed the key factor behind his decision to leave the sport.
Fernando Alonso now drives for Aston Martin in F1
Why did Fernando Alonso retire from F1 in 2018?
Alonso is notorious for his radio announcements about the Honda engine at the start of the hybrid era, but one team that nailed this part of the rules was Mercedes. As a result, the Brackley-based outfit dominated the sport, winning eight consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021 and the drivers’ title in all but one season.
This dominance was cited as a factor in Alonso’s decision for 2018. “In 2018, when I retired, I felt it was too predictable,” Alonso explained to Marca.
Mercedes won eight constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021
“Mercedes’ dominance has been too great to really enjoy being part of the network. “We were just actors in the Mercedes movie and we couldn’t fight at any time. As mentioned above, Alonso returned to F1 in 2021 and after two years with Alpine moved to Aston Martin, where he won several podiums in 2023.
The Spaniard is expected to extend his time in the sport. in the future as well, having signed a new deal with the Silverstone-based outfit earlier this season.
