Fernando Alonso, the most seasoned driver on the grid for some time now, still possesses the same hunger he had when he first started in Formula 1. Although the Spaniard candidly admits that he increasingly feels the passage of time, he remains hopeful for more title opportunities in 2026.
At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the current Formula 1 grid. The Spaniard not only has the most experience under his belt but also retains the same hunger he had when he entered the premier class with Minardi in 2001.
“Even now, after more than twenty years, when I go to a karting track and I look at the times and I’m half a tenth behind the fastest, I still have the same inner rage. The same frustration,” Alonso tells DAZN. “I might not even eat that evening.”
‘Still Very Strong’
Yet even Alonso, who many fans label as the eternal rookie, feels the passage of time. “I think that over time you have to change and adapt your body,” explains the two-time champion. “You can’t eat the same at forty as you did at twenty. You don’t have the same muscle mass. So for my diet, I do a bit more research, with nutritionists, and I follow a somewhat vegetarian path. But I still feel very strong.”Alonso has a contract with the British Aston Martin until he turns 45, which guarantees him at least two more seasons to compete for victories. However, the Spaniard does not see this happening in 2025. “The cars will be the same as last year and it will be practically impossible for us to make such a big leap,” he says.
The driver is hopeful for the season after that. “Changes are coming in the regulations and Adrian Newey will start working on the project for 2026 from April,” Alonso concludes.
