Fernando Alonso has spoken of his pride in being a Ferrari driver, saying he was 100% sure he would remain at the Scuderia for the rest of his career and that Ferrari would be the last team he races for in Formula One.
“I’m 100 per cent sure [Ferrari will be my last team],” said the Asturian. “For any driver, coming to Ferrari is the best thing you can do in your career.”
“It’s almost impossible to find the motivation to race for another team after racing for Ferrari, because you will never find the same environment or have the same feeling due to its history.
“It’s a legendary team represented by the prancing horse. Of course I feel calm now because I’ve achieved one of my goals.”
The Spaniard, who has been seen in Ferrari colours for the first time at Ferrari’s media event in recent days, also warned against expecting great results from him and the team at first.
“Of course it’s difficult,” he said. “I know I’m going to have to adapt very quickly to the car.
“I only have seven, eight days of testing in February and I know that perhaps in the first three, four races we will not be 100 per cent adjusted to the car and to the team.
“But from race three or four I’m sure we will be able to see the best version of Alonso as well as the best version of Ferrari.”
As is his wont, the double world champion’s interview was spiked with a carefully-worded dig at his immediate predecessor, Kimi Raikkonen.
“I don’t know what Kimi gave to the team,” he said.
“I’m here to give the team all my professionality, to give all my skills to drive the car, and outside of the car I know the driver must continue to work with the engineers as well for the development of the car.”
