A Formula 1 season is quite demanding. Having to travel all around the world, adjusting to different time zones all year round, and then only getting a couple of months off during the winters must not be easy on the drivers. And with the ever-expanding F1 calendar, it becomes important to strike a balance between having a good time and getting back to training full-time during the winter break. Fernando Alonso, the 42-year-old Spaniard, has taken a page out of Max Verstappen‘s book to start 2024 on a positive note.

Recently, Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s girlfriend, provided a peek into how the couple is spending their time in the winter. The Dutchman, along with Kelly and her daughter Penelope, found themselves in the serene, snow-capped mountains of Gstaad, Switzerland. This popular skiing destination became a temporary retreat for the trio and some friends, creating memorable moments captured on Piquet’s Instagram.

Fernando Alonso went skiing to start the year with a ‘positive vibe’

Fernando Alonso and George Russell decided to meet up on 2024 New Year’s Eve to recreate their celebrations from 2023. Russell shared glimpses of their 2024 New Year’s celebration on Instagram. The photos showcased the duo having a blast with New Year’s props. Notably, this time around, Russell’s girlfriend, Carmen Mundt, also joined in the festivities. After that, Alonso headed straight up to the mountains.

Although the thought of our favorite F1 drivers going to ski in the mountains brings back bad memories from 2013, there is something about the experience that attracts Formula 1 drivers to it. First, it was Pierre Gasly, followed by Max Verstappen, and now it is Fernando Alonso who finds himself enjoying the snowy Dolomites mountain range in Italy.

Fernando Alonso often shares glimpses of his pre-season routine on social media. In a recent Instagram post, he can be seen in high spirits, relishing the serene beauty of the Italian South Tyrol, nestled in the Dolomites. The weather there is perfect for various winter activities, setting the stage for the two-time world champion’s positive vibes.

He set the tone for the year, stating, “Starting the year on a positive vibe 👍.@scuolasci2000 !“ followed by a series of photographs and video clips showcasing his skills on the ice.

However, Alonso is not just having fun. He’s already diving into preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 season. The Scuola 2000 gym in Val Gardena, South Tyrol has become his training ground, strategically chosen for its proximity to the renowned ski area.

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While he is spending his time switching between fun and training, the Spaniard has not forgotten how Aston Martin fell away after starting last season with an advantage over Ferrari and Mercedes.

Alonso suggests what Aston Martin needs to fix in 2024

Despite falling short of his goal of getting back to the top step of the podium in 2023, Alonso managed an impressive eight podium finishes. However, as the season progressed, the team’s performance took a hit, prompting the two-time world champion to highlight areas for improvement in 2024.

In his analysis of the team’s performance, the Spaniard highlighted that the AMR23 lacked consistency. He emphasized that one of the weaknesses lay in the narrow operational window of the car. “One of the weak points was that the car had to operate in a very narrow window. It’s the same for everyone. It will be nice if we can always perform at a stable level next year,” said Alonso.

Additionally, he pointed out one persistent issue with the brand, “I think that was, in performance numbers, our weak point always a little bit too slow on the straights.”

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After a decade-long win drought, with his last win coming in the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso would be itching to climb back to the top step of the podium.