In the past, when the cars were more physically demanding, Fernando Alonso says age was “maybe a limitation” – Today, the 40-year-old sees “only advantages “
Following the retirement of Kimi Raikkonen at the end of last season, Fernando Alonso, at 41, is the oldest driver on the 2022 Formula 1 grid ahead of 37-year-old Lewis Hamilton. But the Alpine driver sees his age and the experience that comes with it as a plus first and foremost.
“As far as age is concerned, I feel good. Honestly, I feel I have an advantage,” says the Spaniard, citing his knowledge from other racing series as an example.
“When I come to a circuit, I know the tracks. Now everyone is testing this 18-inch tyre, and I know these tyres very well from the WEC.” For in 2019 and 2020, Alonso competed with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.
“The behaviour of the tyres is exactly the same, and also the way you have to drive the tyre is the same, but different from how it was before. So all the things I’m facing are the first time for other people, and for me it’s the second or third time. So that’s good. “
At the same time, Alonso admits that at his age it requires some sacrifices to continue racing at the highest level, especially given the busy calendar. It includes 23 Grands Prix for the first time in the 2022 Formula One season.
“The only problem when you are older is that you have to have the motivation to go into a season where you are racing 300 days a year,” the 40-year-old explained. “You have to have that passion, you have to have that lifestyle that allows you to give yourself fully to the sport.”
“Apart from that, all other things are an advantage,” Alonso affirms. He says he is currently in a phase of his life where he wants to dedicate himself completely to Formula 1. “That, is fantastic. So I think I only see advantages.”
He adds, “Also, I don’t think the cars of today are very physically demanding. I think in 2004/2005, maybe age was a limitation. “
Alonso made his Grand Prix debut in 2001 with Minardi. He spent the 2002 season as a Renault test driver, then became a regular driver for the French manufacturer, winning two world championships. After stints at Ferrari and McLaren, he took a Formula One break in 2018 before returning in 2021.
