The extensive career of Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 allowed him to interact with numerous people within the sport. Participating in F1 for a long period, the 42-year-old Spaniard drove for several teams throughout his career. Alonso achieved great success with Renault, winning the drivers’ championship in 2005 and 2006. The current Haas team boss recalled Alonso’s impact, stating that the Asturian driver provided valuable information during test sessions.
Ayao Komatsu, who has nearly two decades of experience in top-level motorsport, expressed his admiration for Fernando Alonso’s influence. The 48-year-old Japanese boss emphasized the Spaniard’s exceptional performances and deep understanding of the sport, considering him on another level. Alonso’s expertise went beyond his driving skills as he also provided valuable feedback and demonstrated impressive racecraft. Komatsu highlighted Alonso’s ability to strategically navigate the final laps of a race, ensuring a good result. Additionally, Alonso showed excellent tire management and balance control, even in cold conditions reaching 20 degrees Celsius, according to Komatsu.
In addition to Alonso, Komatsu acknowledged the remarkable talent of another driver – Robert Kubica. Reflecting on the past, Komatsu stated that Kubica possessed a special quality that set him apart. The Polish driver showed a strong commitment to spending time with engineers, aiming to improve his chances of winning the world championship. In a lighthearted manner, Komatsu jokingly mentioned Kubica’s interest in playing poker with Alonso, suggesting that the driver had other priorities besides his performances in Formula 1.
Despite his age, Fernando Alonso shows no signs of slowing down and intends to continue competing at the peak of motorsport until at least the age of 45. This determination, combined with his impressive skills, has contributed to his popularity among fans. Alonso consistently outperforms many of the younger drivers on the Formula 1 grid, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the sport.