F1 News: Fernando Alonso Warns Sebastian Vettel About Formula One Return - "Cannot Be Underestimated"
Sebastian Vettel recently hinted at a possible Formula 1 return, prompting insights from Fernando Alonso, who has firsthand experience with comebacks. Alonso candidly discussed the magnitude of such decisions, cautioning Vettel on the challenge ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Vettel's Potential Return: Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel expressed uncertainty about excluding a potential comeback to F1. Fellow champion Fernando Alonso, provides a seasoned perspective on the subject.
- Alonso's F1 Re-entry: Having left F1 in 2018 for various pursuits including the 'Triple Crown', Alonso rejoined in 2021. Based on this experience, he notes the significant challenges of an F1 return, emphasizing that it "cannot be underestimated."
- Alonso's Racing Milestones: Should Alonso complete 16 laps in the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, he would be the first racer to log 100,000 kilometres in F1 races. While not including test laps and practice sessions, Alonso acknowledges the vast number of laps he's accumulated over his career and hopes for more.
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As the F1 community buzzed with Vettel's statements, Alonso, who himself took a hiatus from Formula 1 before rejoining, shed light on the intricacies of making a return.
"It's up to him, obviously, if he thinks about it. As I said, I think when Daniel came back, it is a challenge. [The challenge of] going back to F1 cannot be underestimated. And yeah, it could be a challenge for sure," Alonso remarked, highlighting the depth and complexity of such a decision.
While the focus of many remains on Alonso's advice to Vettel, Alonso is on the verge of creating history himself. The Aston Martin driver, if he completes just 16 laps this Sunday, will be the first driver ever to cover 100,000 kilometres under race conditions in F1. Reflecting on this feat, Alonso said, "I think that's race kilometres. They never count every practice, qualifying or testing. So I remember the first year testing in 2002 when I was test driver, I did 40,000 km in that season alone." He hopes to see the chequered flag on Sunday, which usually comes with added points.
On being questioned about possibly covering a million kilometres in total if all sessions were considered, Alonso quipped, "I don't know. In racing cars for sure. Because I've been testing and doing a lot of laps every week, off-road as well. Well, there are 8,000 in Dakar plus 10,000 of testing, so there is a lot of kilometres."
