Alonso’s recent contract extension with Aston Martin ensures his continued participation in Formula 1 until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season when he will reach the age of 45. This achievement would establish him as the oldest F1 driver since Graham Hill in 1975.
Having already claimed the record for the highest number of Grand Prix starts, Alonso is poised to reach an unprecedented milestone of 400 races at the 2024 Qatar round. With 23 years having passed since his debut in the sport, next year will mark the 20th anniversary of his inaugural world championship, while his most recent title was secured for Toyota in the 2018-2019 World Endurance Championship.
McLaren’s driver Norris was questioned about Alonso’s enduring career during the Chinese Grand Prix. In response, while addressing the prospect of his own longevity in the sport, Norris emphasized Alonso’s unwavering dedication, evident both on and off the track, across various pursuits. Acknowledging the rarity of such commitment in any sport, Norris expressed profound respect for Alonso’s sustained excellence at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
Alongside Norris, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Alpine’s Ocon shared their reflections on the longevity of their F1 careers. Ocon praised Alonso’s illustrious journey as a benchmark for aspiring athletes, acknowledging the uncertainty of his own future in the sport at a comparable age. Similarly, Leclerc admitted difficulty envisioning himself competing in F1 in the distant future, yet expressed a desire to explore new challenges, including participation in events like Le Mans.
Despite uncertainty regarding the duration of their F1 careers, both drivers emphasized their current passion for racing and their willingness to continue as long as motivation persists. Leclerc highlighted his aspiration to engage in diverse racing experiences, while Ocon emphasized Alonso’s dedication as an inspiring example for all within the sport.
