'At Least I Won't Be Only 40 Plus': Alonso Jokingly Drags Hamilton Into Conversation About Age
F1Friday, 12 April 2024 at 12:00
During an interview after announcing his contract extension with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso pointed out that he won't be the only driver over 40 on the grid starting next year.
Fernando Alonso has been and is still the oldest driver on the grid. Currently 42, the Spanish matador will turn 43 this year, and his new contract will take him through to the 2026 season, during which he will turn 45.
It is quite unusual to see driver Alonso's age at the pinnacle of motorsport nowadays, but he suggested retirement wasn't really an option for him.
As it stands, the double World Champion feels fit to continue for a couple more years. On the other hand, he is aware there might come a period when his performance starts to decline:
"It is true, I will be 45 or more and [still] racing. If one day I feel that I'm not motivated, or if one day I feel [during] the race not in good shape, or I feel that I'm not fast – maybe I go to one period of the season that I feel not fast, and I feel not really sharp [during] the race itself, or qualifying or wherever – I think I have a relationship with Aston [that's] very honest."
As it stands, Alonso looks as sharp as he ever did. He keeps outperforming his teammate Lance Stroll and even other drivers in quicker cars, for example, Oscar Piastri in McLaren and George Russell with Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes during the most recent race weekend in Japan.
Nevertheless, the 42-year-old asserted he would be the first one to raise his hand and have a conversation with his team once he feels he lacks the pace or motivation.
"I will be the first one to raise my hand and say I have maybe lost here or there and we will find solutions, but I don't see that coming for the next few years."
"And in Japan probably one of my best races ever maybe happened just five days ago. I'm feeling good, I'm feeling strong, so I don't see any problem there."
We will likely see some rookies in F1 in 2025 who will be half Alonso's age. However, Alonso pointed out with a smile on his face that Lewis Hamilton will also be turning 40 next year.
"Lewis will [be] 40 years next year in January, so at least I will not be the only one 40 plus that you will talk [about]!"
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