Fernando Alonso’s future has been discussed at length in recent weeks, but the Spaniard himself has come out and stated that he is committed to the Ferrari F1 Team – for the time being.
Rumours have been gaining momentum linking him with a return to the McLaren team he raced for back in 2007, but despite these constant rumours linking him with a move away from the Scuderia, Alonso insists his focus remains on getting the best results possible for the Italian team.
“I live for my job and I prepare myself from 1st January to 31st December and with Ferrari’s it’s special, because this is the best team in the world,” said Alonso ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. “For five years, I have given my all on the track and the numbers show that. But off the track also my number one priority has been the team, doing the best for Ferrari.
“I live in the real world, so I am aware of all the rumours. But my first priority is working for the team, to help in the fight with Williams in the championship. My second priority is my future, but there is nothing new on this subject since last year, since July and now even in October there is no news.
“So, as I said earlier, I always put the interests of the team and of the Tifosi and of this brand that is Ferrari and is bigger than any one of us, before my own interests.”
Alonso insists that he always goes out with the ambition to win, and wants to add to his two World Drivers’ Championships before he retires, but admits he is lucky to have been able to choose whom he drives for in his career up to now.
“I am a very competitive person and I want to win, which is something, I have wanted since I was ten years old and starting karting at a professional level,” insisted Alonso. “I want to win and am ready to maximise my performance at what I think is the best moment of my career. I hope I can get the benefit of this in the next few years, adding some titles, retiring with more than two. But you never know.
“At the end of the day you have an idea in your mind and my mind is already set. I’ve been extremely lucky to choose where I drive in Formula 1, to choose my own future, which is not the norm. I will do my best, together with Ferrari’s best, taking the minimum risk.”
