Fernando Alonso is set to achieve a milestone that few in the world of Formula 1 ever thought possible: 400 Grand Prix starts. While the landmark will officially be reached at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix on October 27, this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin will inch the Spanish legend one step closer to this historic feat.
Alonso, now 43 years old, remains a formidable force on the grid. His longevity, consistency, and passion for racing have set him apart in a sport that has seen many drivers come and go. His imminent 400th race start has sparked admiration across the paddock, with former teammates and current rivals paying tribute to the two-time World Champion.
A Career of Passion and Dedication
Esteban Ocon, Alonso’s former teammate at Alpine in 2021 and 2022, expressed his deep respect for the Spaniard’s enduring commitment to racing. Despite the occasional friction between them during their time as teammates, Ocon couldn’t help but admire Alonso’s relentless passion.
“Fernando breathes racing, eats racing, wakes up to racing,” Ocon said. “When he has free time, he goes karting. He’s been doing this for so long, and even after all his success, he’s still here because he loves it. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
Ocon reflected on the lessons learned from Alonso during their time together, praising the Spaniard’s racecraft and ability to think outside the box on and off the track. “His awareness of strategy, his ability to read the race—it’s on another level. That’s something I took away from him.”
A Source of Inspiration for Younger Drivers
For Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, Alonso’s career holds personal significance. The 30-year-old Spaniard grew up idolizing Alonso, and the idea that his childhood hero is still racing at the highest level while Sainz is now a competitor is “crazy.”
“I remember watching him race when I was nine or ten years old, and now I’m here, 30 years old, racing alongside him,” Sainz reflected. “His talent and speed at 43, in a grid full of younger, hungry drivers, says a lot about his work ethic and motivation.”
Sainz also acknowledged the physical and mental toll of competing in a sport with an ever-expanding calendar. With the F1 season now featuring 25 races, he noted that this demanding schedule could become a deciding factor for drivers in the future. “As you get older, it’s harder to balance family life with such a long season. But seeing Fernando and how he handles it, I can’t help but be impressed.”
Alonso’s Perspective: Winning Matters Most
While the upcoming milestone is being celebrated by fans and peers alike, Alonso himself remains grounded. For him, race victories and championship titles matter far more than statistical achievements.
“I recognize the number, but it’s not something that motivates me,” Alonso said when asked about his impending 400th start. “I would’ve preferred to win another championship or more races in fewer starts.”
Despite downplaying the significance of the number, Alonso acknowledged that it reflects his love for the sport and his ability to stay competitive over two decades. “I hope to celebrate a good weekend in Mexico, but don’t expect me to aim for 800 races,” Alonso joked. “Another 40 or 50, though? Definitely.”
A Body Tested by Time and Technology
As for how his body has held up after nearly 400 race weekends, Alonso humorously remarked that it hasn’t been kind on his spine or neck. “It’s not good for your back or your neck,” he quipped. However, he noted that advancements in F1 car design have made driving slightly less physically demanding compared to his early years in the sport.
With his milestone race in sight, Alonso shows no signs of slowing down. The Mexican Grand Prix will be a celebration of a remarkable career, but for Alonso, the mission remains clear—winning races and proving that age is just a number.
As Alonso continues to defy the odds and expectations, the rest of the F1 paddock can only marvel at the longevity and passion of one of the sport’s greatest ever drivers. Here’s to 400 and counting!
