Fernando Alonso, at the end of the 2018 season, left F1 as he didn’t wish to continue with McLaren at that point. In the following year, the Spaniard competed in multiple racing competitions worldwide.
He won the Le Mans 24-hour series twice. Then he flew to the United States to ply his trade in Indycar. His main aim was to win Indianapolis 500 and achieve the triple crown of motorsport.
Though it never happened. Alonso also did Endurance racing at that time. He was everywhere at F1, as his time over there was practically over, as no other team wanted to sign him then. But for Alonso, he was still a valuable asset for himself and demanded high money for his services everywhere.
Fernando Alonso asked too much of Toyota
Away from Mclaren, Alonso raced in the World Endurance Championship, appearing for $1 million a race for Toyota. That season he won the championship while also winning Le Mans.
However, things changed when he went to renew his services for Toyota. According to Business F1, he asked thrice the sum he was getting last year. Seeing the $3 million demand, Toyota was astonished by the greed and decided not to continue with him.
In 2020, a surprising turn happened, Daniel Ricciardo decided to leave Renault (Alpine) for McLaren. Instead of seeking an upcoming driver, the French team went for him, with whom they had won two consecutive championships.
It’s surprising that only 12 months after nobody wanted him in his team, he got an offer from a side that is only looking to punch above its current position and be in the championship fight.
The Spaniard goes to Silverstone
The Renault-backed team probably brought him because of his incredible experience in F1. The French team had only Esteban Ocon left, who only had a couple of seasons of experience in F1 back then.
And to rise above, they wanted Alonso to be the guiding force in the team. Much like how Michael Schumacher was at Mercedes. But the task at Alpine is currently incomplete, and Alonso opposing their wishes has left them.
In 2023, he will be competing for Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based team found a viable replacement in him as Sebastian Vettel decided to retire at the end of last season.
Also read: George Russell believes there is ‘nothing’ that would stop Mercedes from fighting for 2023 F1 title
