Fernando Alonso is the most experienced driver in F1 history, but he believes there is plenty more left in the tank.
About eighteen months ago, Fernando Alonso shocked the F1 world by making the decision to join Aston Martin. At the time, his departure from Alpine was questioned by many in the paddock.
Despite Aston’s progress in 2022 after their Spanish GP upgrades, they were still slightly behind the French outfit.
Moreover, Alpine’s status as a manufacturer meant that – on paper – joining a customer team was a backward step. However, these assumptions were all proven incorrect.
Something else that has been largely silenced is the question marks surrounding Alonso’s longevity.
When he first returned to the grid in 2021, there was scepticism about whether he could compete at the highest level.
Three years later, the Double World Champion was voted as a top-3 driver in 2023 by team principals and drivers alike.
Looking ahead to the future, Alonso has several options at his disposal. His current team, Aston Martin, are eager to extend the Spaniard’s contract with the team.
However, there have also been reports he is under consideration at Mercedes.
The Silver Arrows are actively evaluating the best options to replace Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
With all this in mind, every indication suggests the 42-year-old could continue in F1 for the foreseeable future.
Still, Alonso wants to evaluate the first rounds of 2024 before committing himself to the sport and signing a multi-year deal.
Alonso: Physical limitations are not the main concern
Speaking earlier this year, he admitted that his perception of how long a driver can compete in Formula 1 has changed:
“Maybe I would have said 41 or 42 before. Now, I think maybe I can race for a few more years.
“So I would say if you are motivated and want to commit, you can drive until 48 or 49, or maybe even 50.
“But at the same time, you have to give up everything in life. F1 needs total dedication…
“I don’t know if I will be racing until 50 with such a demanding calendar.”
These quotes speak to both the speed and pragmatism of Fernando Alonso.
From one side of the coin, continuing in the sport is very feasible.
This is especially the case for a driver who – for many years – did not have the machinery to match his abilities.
However, time is a relentless force. Despite Alonso’s obvious love for racing, dedicating his efforts to F1 means sacrificing other aspects of his life.
The Aston Martin driver wants to ensure, therefore, that he is in the correct head-space before further extending his career.
