“2007 was very difficult but I learnt a lot personally. It was good for my career to take that step of joining McLaren and growing up. I learned how to work with a team and also to withstand the media pressure. Now I am much more prepared for everything in formula one – and in life as well,” said Alonso in an interview with The Guardian.
Continuing to refer to his period of time at McLaren, Alonso hinted that much of what happened during his staying there was mostly connected to Dennis rather to anyone else. He suggested that he “learned a lot from that season and McLaren did as well,” which is why he hopes Jenson Button will have a more positive stay at the team than what he experienced back in 2007.
“Obviously I don't know how McLaren is now but if Jenson arrived in my time then, for sure, it would be very tough for him. But, hopefully, it's now better for Jenson,” added the Spaniard.
Additionally, he insisted that “those who criticize me are people who have never met me” and that the true connection with his fans is proved by the tens of thousands of people coming to see him while testing in Spain.
“In most cases it's online, that's where the anti-Alonsistas are. They're anti-everything. The Alonsistas are at the Valencia circuit, where there were 36,000 at a test to follow my Ferrari debut. 36,000 there, and the others on an internet forum. It doesn't worry me,” said the 2-time world champion.
During the same interview, Alonso admitted that he'll only think of fatherhood once he had fulfilled his dreams in racing, and suggested that he is more than prepared to tackle the new season with Ferrari.
“I'm calmer, more mature and at peace with myself. I'm ready for any challenge,” concluded Alonso.
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