Sainz: F1 should learn from Alonso exit

  • Published on 25 Oct 2018 19:44
  • comments 7
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Carlos Sainz believes that Formula 1 should look at the reasons behind Fernando Alonso's F1 exit going forward. Alonso confirmed earlier this year that he would be walking away from F1 at the end of 2018 after a series of uncompetitive years in the sport.

However, he claims that he is walking away not because of his uncompetitiveness, but because of the poor on-track action. Cars this season have found it increasingly difficult to follow each other due to the increased downforce they are producing.

And Sainz, who will take Alonso's seat at McLaren next year, says that F1 should reflect on his departure and take something valuable away from it: “I think the fact he is leaving is a big loss for Formula 1,” he stated in Mexico City ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix.

"To not have one of the best drivers or the best drivers in motorsport at the moment in the grid is a big loss. So I think it is something for Formula 1 and to everyone to consider why one of the best drivers is leaving and why we cannot have a bit more competitive grid where many drivers can fight for wins or for podiums. I think it’s a thing to consider and something to think about for the future.”

Next year will be Sainz's fifth season on the grid after he made his debut with Toro Rosso in 2015. He has always said that Alonso was his inspiration growing up,  and mentioned it once again in the FIA press conference, admitting he will miss his compatriot.

“I followed Formula 1, I met him back in 2005, since then I really decided that I wanted to be a Formula 1 and gave it all to come here. To manage to compete against him the last four years have been a dream come true. Of course we will miss him.”

Maybe it should, yet we all know that nothing will be learned. Its like the game industry: one would think that the AAA companies constantly releasing botched trend chasing cash grab attempts would've netted them some knowledge at this rate, but nope. Constantly chasing the current trend too late... [Read more]

  • 2
  • Oct 25 2018 - 20:13

Replies (7)

Login to reply
  • Maybe it should, yet we all know that nothing will be learned. Its like the game industry: one would think that the AAA companies constantly releasing botched trend chasing cash grab attempts would've netted them some knowledge at this rate, but nope. Constantly chasing the current trend too late with too soft attempts.

    • + 2
    • Oct 25 2018 - 20:13
    • They will move quickly to sort out anything that affects their bottom line. As much talent as the new generation brings, I don't see any big personalities coming up other than Max. If Lewis were to leave right now we'd be left with Daniel Ricciardo, and Max in terms of big personalities that fans love/hate passionately. I still Liberty is trying to do the right things, but suddenly it seems as though they stalled their progress.

      As for Alonso, I think he's making the right choice. It will be a good opportunity to (1) pursue other ambition freely and still drive competitively (2) leave F1 while still rated as a top 2 driver, and (3) leave an open door in case McLaren miraculously manages to produce a competitive car again. Because I don't think McLaren would hesitate for a minute to bring Alonso to a competitive car.

      • + 0
      • Oct 25 2018 - 23:52
    • Yeah I remember that we've discussed that before at an earlier occasion, yet I dont necessarily agree. We also have KMag, Hulk, Stroll and Kimi. Even now, Leclerc looks set to potentially get that status too. But F1 do need to do something to retain driver interest, and it sure aint having 3 PUs.

      • + 0
      • Oct 26 2018 - 06:40
  • Biggs

    Posts: 5

    Alonso made the wrong career moves, McLaren chose the wrong engine Honda. Its can all be blamed on the progress of F1 alone. F1 is where it is because the teams voted to have does hybrid engines. Alonso is where he is because of choice.

    • + 0
    • Oct 25 2018 - 20:56
  • He is a great wealth of knowledge to both teams and drivers for both good and wrong reasons.

    • + 0
    • Oct 25 2018 - 22:29
  • sadosalo

    Posts: 198

    GB's are over the top self-taken, look at Williams and McLaren living in the past. And no McLaren did not choose the wrong engine (Honda) its the GB mentality as they feel superior. Look at the FIA Formula 1 race director and safety delegate Charlie Whiting never wrong. Hamilton the F... pussy catwalk, in by far the best car on the grid but every race he points out that Ferrari is much faster. Bless the Lord Lewis. Brexit please!

    • + 0
    • Oct 26 2018 - 00:16
  • Or maybe we and F1 should stop trusting that the old garde will keep it interesting... I think we have an exciting bunch of young guys on the grid at the moment - those personalities will form as time goes by. Alonso has done nothing but moan for the last 2 years - moans that stem mainly from his own poor choices and diva behavior in the past. I, for one, am not going to miss him, plenty of hard driving youngsters there that deserve a seat

    • + 1
    • Oct 26 2018 - 08:20

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 02:15

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 02:15

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2 2024
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9 2024
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24 2024
Australia
5 - Apr 7 2024
Japan
19 - Apr 21 2024
China
3 - May 5 2024
United States of America
17 - May 19 2024
Italy
24 - May 26 2024
Monaco
7 - Jun 9 2024
Canada
21 - Jun 23 2024
Spain
28 - Jun 30 2024
Austria
5 - Jul 7 2024
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21 2024
Hungary
26 - Jul 28 2024
Belgium
23 - Aug 25 2024
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1 2024
Italy
13 - Sep 15 2024
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22 2024
Singapore
18 - Oct 20 2024
United States of America
25 - Oct 27 2024
Mexico
1 - Nov 3 2024
Brazil
22 - Nov 24 2024
United States of America
29 - Dec 1 2024
Qatar
6 - Dec 8 2024
United Arab Emirates
-
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2 2024
7 - Mar 9 2024
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24 2024
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7 2024
19 - Apr 21 2024
3 - May 5 2024
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19 2024
24 - May 26 2024
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9 2024
21 - Jun 23 2024
28 - Jun 30 2024
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7 2024
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21 2024
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28 2024
23 - Aug 25 2024
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1 2024
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15 2024
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22 2024
18 - Oct 20 2024
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27 2024
1 - Nov 3 2024
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24 2024
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1 2024
6 - Dec 8 2024
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
-
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 572
  • Podiums 9
  • Grand Prix 168
  • Country ES
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (43)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, ES
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar