With just four months to go before his 44th birthday, Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso remains committed to his racing career, declaring that he will be the first to realize and admit when his speed wanes or he struggles to keep up with the pace. Until that day, however, the fiercely competitive Spaniard has no plans to retire from the sport.
In the world of Formula 1, it’s rare to see such longevity. This year marks Alonso’s 22nd season, having made his racing debut back in 2001. Today, he stands as the oldest driver on the grid, a full three-and-a-half years older than Lewis Hamilton and almost six years older than Nico Hulkenberg.
Interestingly, Oscar Piastri was born a month after Alonso’s debut, and Kimi Antonelli came into the world five years and four months later. Other drivers like Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oliver Bearman were also born after Alonso hit the racetrack for the first time.
However, age seems to be just a number for Alonso. Not only is he gearing up for his 22nd season, but he’s already committed to a 23rd and isn’t ruling out the possibility of extending his career even further.
Speaking at the FIA Drivers’ press conference preceding the Chinese Grand Prix, Alonso expressed his love for racing, stating, “It’s a privilege to keep racing and doing what I love to do which is racing cars.” He also highlighted how fortunate he feels to have participated in different eras of the sport, adding that he still feels “competitive and motivated.”
Reiterating his commitment to the sport, Alonso stressed, “If one day I feel that I’m not fast, or I feel that I’m struggling on the pace…I will be the first one that I’m not enjoying it.” He went on to underscore how he feels as fast as he did back in 2004, indicating that current tools and possibilities allow drivers to improve and overcome their weaknesses.
Yet, not everyone shares Alonso’s enthusiasm. Dutch pundit Tom Coronel believes it’s time for the Spaniard to step aside and let new talent shine. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Coronel suggested that Alonso should consider taking up a different role in motorsport, perhaps coaching. He pointed out that Alonso is already mentoring Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, indicating that the veteran driver could contribute more to the sport in a mentorship role.
However, as long as Fernando Alonso feels competitive and continues to enjoy racing, it seems unlikely that he will be stepping down anytime soon. His unwavering dedication to the sport and his determination to remain relevant on the grid are testament to his passion and commitment to Formula 1.
