At 41, Fernando Alonso has proven that age is no bar for him. The 2x former world champion has expressed his desire to race for a couple more seasons before retiring to his home crowd in Barcelona.
Another driver who shares Alonso’s ambition of sustaining his racing career in his 40s is Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has even gone on to claim that he can drive in F1 for another 10 years if Mercedes agree to it.
The two drivers have proven to fans and critics that age is just a number. However, Alonso’s aspiration could prove Hamilton’s prophecy of racing his former teammate in his 50s.
Fernando Alonso commits to F1 for 2 more years
Fernando Alonso was greeted by a sea of Spanish fans ahead of his home race. The Spaniard has enjoyed an electric start to the season, securing 5 podiums. Fans have anticipated the driver to claim his long-awaited 33rd win. However, Alonso delivered another piece of news.
The Aston Martin driver declared in front of his fans, “I’m going to be at Aston Martin for a few more years.” Based on reports, Alonso is on a 2-year contract with Aston Martin with the option to extend.
Alonso: “I’ll be staying at Aston Martin a few more years.”
The crowd seems pleased 😅 pic.twitter.com/5OBsSHk62u
— formularacers (@formularacers_) June 2, 2023
This matches a statement made by Lewis Hamilton earlier during the season. Hamilton, the 2nd oldest driver in the grid, had earlier claimed about the possibility of racing against the Spaniard in their 50s.
The Briton said, “From looking from afar and how Fernando is driving, the talent hasn’t left him and I don’t believe it does leave us. I think it’s also to do with your work ethic.” The 7x champion believes the duo can replicate LeBron James and Tom Brady and race late in their 40s.
Lewis Hamilton talks about retirement rumors
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are the oldest drivers in the 2023 F1 grid. Yet, the former world champions continue to defy the odds. They still follow a rigorous training regime and lifestyle to perform at their peak.
Hamilton won his record 7th title at the age of 35. However, after the title loss in 2021 and winless season in 2022, the driver has been bombarded with rumors regarding his retirement.
He revealed to ESPN, “I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I’m not at the end of my career, I’m not on the downhill slope of my career. I’m in my prime,” Despite running out of contract at the end of the season, the Briton admits he desires to retire with Mercedes.
On the other hand, Alonso also revealed in an interview with Bang & Olufsen that he thought of racing in F1 for only 7-8 years. However, the driver now sees himself with the longest F1 career.
Alonso revealed, “I find myself with the longest career ever in F1, yet I’m still fresh, still motivated, still enjoying every single day. So yeah, there are a few more years for me, and hopefully with a title contender in the future.”
The Spaniard says he aims to fight for his third world championship title in the coming years. The driver is also keen on ending his decade-long draught for his 33rd race win and Aston Martin’s first-ever victory in F1.
