Fernando Alonso First Formula One Driver To Achieve Huge Milestone

Aston Martin Formula One Driver Fernando Alonso is the first ever driver in F1 to complete 20 seasons.

Fernando Alonso is currently the oldest driver on the Formula One grid. The 42-year-old driver started his career in 2001, and after the final race of the 2023 season in Abu Dhabi, he concluded his 20th season in the sport.

There are three drivers in the history of Formula One that completed 19 seasons, and you might know all of them. The list includes big names like Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher, and Kimi Raikkonen.

If you do the math, there are more than 20 seasons between 2001 and 2023. However, the Spaniard has already retired once at the end of 2018 but then returned in 2021.

The Spanish matador holds records for the most Grand Prix entries (380) and Grand Prix starts (377). Throughout his 20-year-long career, he won 32 races and achieved 106 podiums.

Alonso broke the 100-podium milestone in 2023 with Aston Martin when he achieved eight podiums throughout the season.

What is important to mention is that Alonso still has at least one season in front of him. By finishing the 2024 season, he will extend the record to 21 completed seasons.

Moreover, Aston Martin expressed interest in prolonging the collaboration with Spaniard even beyond 2024. Alonso has been a great contributor to the team's success in 2023, and it only seems like a reasonable step for the team.

The Double World Champion recently admitted he knows he is in the closing stages of his career, but he also said he does not lack motivation and will be the first to say so when his time comes.

The triple World Champion Max Verstappen recently complimented the 42-year-old when he said: "I mean, if Fernando keeps racing, I'm sure he'll be as competitive at 50 as he is now!"

While nobody can guess how long the Spanish Matador will keep racing in F1, one thing is sure: If he gets a competitive car, we will see Alonso on the podium again.