Fernando Alonso is by far the oldest serving driver in F1. The next oldest driver to him is Lewis hamilton, who is around three years younger than him. So, Alonso has so far seen the most changes in F1.
He has undergone every transformation in the sport since the turn of the millennium. Despite his vast experience and age, teams still wanted him, and as soon as he decided to leave Alpine, he got an appointment letter from Aston Martin.
Seeing the hectic schedule of F1 for over 20 years, he still wants to continue. He doesn’t want to fill a space but also aspires to make his new team the contender for the championship by the time he leaves. This passion for continuing shows his love for the sport.
Welcome, @alo_oficial. 🤝
2023 starts here. pic.twitter.com/1ajM3tGE5J
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) January 1, 2023
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Fernando Alonso will keep driving
The Spaniard has now revealed that he wishes to race even after leaving F1. He claims the Dakar rally excites him as he has already won the Le Mans race and the World Endurance championship. That seems to be the next destination.
“I will always be driving,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be sportscars or Dakar, that I have mentioned a few times. Because in sportscars, it is indeed amazing, but in a way, winning the championship and Le Mans and Daytona, maybe I don’t have the excitement to achieve this again.”
Alonso sees his deadline in F1 in his 25th year. That will be in 2026, as he will complete his silver jubilee in the sport. After that, he could be bidding adieu forever to the motorsport where he spent most of his time.
Dakar is catching his attention
Alonso has plied his trade in the Dakar rally before, but he finished P13. But never before has a precedent set like this where a driver has won Le Mans, F1 championship, and WEC championship and went on to win the Dakar Rally.
Holding that achievement in his long tally piques his interest in competing there again. The Dakar Rally 2023 is currently happening in Saudi Arabia, where Carlos Sainz senior is vying for the silverware.
The Rally legend Sainz has won the Dakar rally twice before. And that achievement by his compatriot may be pushing him to go that route. But these plans have to wait for a while right now.
Alonso is responsible for fulfilling Lawrence Stroll’s ambition of bringing Aston Martin to the pinnacle of F1. That didn’t happen with Sebastian Vettel. Now it remains to be seen how their new chapter will go.
Also read: Lando Norris abhors driving his $14 million McLaren car
