Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have shared the spotlight for over two decades. Alonso debuted in F1 in 2001 and has completed over 20 years in the sport. While Hamilton entered the F1 grid in 2007 and has broken all records, asserting himself as the ultimate GOAT of F1.
The former world champions have shared a rivalry and inspired a whole generation of drivers. Although, the two champions have race wins, records and titles to their name, the longevity of their F1 career has been admired by fans and critics alike.
Hamilton and Alonso are 38 and 41 respectively. However, both the Briton nor the Spaniard have considered retirement from the sport. Although the 7x champion argues, it’s a part of their DNA at this point.
17 years of class from @LewisHamilton 👏👏👏#AusGP #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/CMNOarbKux
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 3, 2023
Lewis Hamilton reveals the secret to his prolonged F1 career
Lewis Hamilton was asked ahead of how he and his former rival Fernando Alonso continue to race at the pinnacle of motorsport despite their age. The 7x champion gave a straight answer with a lot of respect to his former McLaren teammate.
The Briton replied, “I can’t speak for Fernando but you can tell, from looking from afar and how Fernando is driving. The talent hasn’t left him and I don’t believe it does leave us.”
F1 has evolved a lot since the two champions debuted. However, despite the new competition, regulations change and the introduction of new formats, both Alonso and Hamilton are regarded as two of the finest drivers.
Ultimate respect 👊@alo_oficial 🤝 @LewisHamilton #AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Ryd331BAmA
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
Part of the reason Hamilton claims rests in the amount of work they put in themselves. “I think it’s also to do with your work ethic,” the Mercedes driver added. After spending decades in racing, from karting to F1, the Briton claims it’s a part of their DNA at this point.
He continued, “Alonso’s clearly in great shape, and he’s doing an amazing job. I think racing is enough in our DNA, in our blood and we don’t put less work in now than we did when we were younger.”
Hamilton draws a comparison between LeBron James and Tom Brady
In the past few years, we have seen a couple of athletes defy the barriers of age to pursue excellence. Lewis Hamilton himself pointed out two living legends; Tom Brady and LeBron James.
Brady has won 7 Super Bowls, with his last victory coming in 2020 with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the sport and also the oldest Super Bowl MVP at age 43. The same goes for James who continues to play at the highest level to this date. He is a 4-time NBA champion and remains NBA’s leading scorer, overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in 2023.
With improvements in sports sciences, athletes can extend their playing careers. Hamilton claims, “I think there’s more information out there, on how to be fit and healthy. You see it with the greats like LeBron and Tom Brady.”
They year is 2062. Tom Brady has just won his 16th Super Bowl and Lewis Hamilton has just secured his 16th world championship 🏆
#F1 #Motorsport pic.twitter.com/vteeTfCfbk— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) November 4, 2022
The Briton claims there is a lot more attention on an athlete these days. This, paired with their competitive spirit and winning mentality is what forced him and Alonso to keep performing at the highest levels.
Hamilton added, “I think there’s probably even more focus nowadays than ever before from an athlete’s perspective and how to get everything out of your mind and your body, and yeah, still hungry as ever.”
Alonso has achieved 3 consecutive third places finishes in the opening three rounds of the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Mercedes will be inspired to repeat the feat achieved during the 2023 Australian GP.
