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Ex-F1 driver claims Aston Martin unbothered by Fernando Alonso’s age amidst multi-year extension

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Aditya Pandya | Last updated 4/15/24

Fernando Alonso is currently the oldest driver on the grid and will continue to be so. Alonso has raced in Formula 1 since 2001, albeit taking a sabbatical between 2018 and 2020. The 42-year-old driver recently confirmed a two-year deal with Aston Martin, sealing his stay in the sport beyond 45 years of age. Hence, Former F1 driver and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa shared his opinions the British squad’s take on the two-time world champion’s age.

Fernando Alonso‘s contract extension ensures his stay on the grid during the start of the new regulations in 2026. Alonso’s age isn’t an issue for Aston Martin as they have committed to the Asturian beyond him being 45. The veteran had also previously mentioned that he could race in F1 till he was 50 years old. Pedro de la Rosa reckoned that Alonso showcased a great commitment on his part. Additionally, de la Rosa asserted that it is also a great commitment from the Silverstone-based team’s side due to the two-time world champion’s age.

Show a great commitment on the part of Fernando at his age, but let's not forget that it is also a great commitment on the part of Aston Martin, in the sense in which he is committing himself to a 42-year-old pilot. Pedro de la Rosa said on the F1 Nation podcast (H&T: soymotor.com).

De la Rosa made it clear that this meant that the team didn’t care about Alonso’s age. The British team was only concerned with performance from the 42-year-old. Additionally, the Aston Martin ambassador explained that Fernando Alonso was at his best state, keeping in mind his age as compared to the other drivers on the grid. Regardless, Alonso has the highest amount of experience and hence that plays a major role for Silverstone.

Actually, we don't care about age, we only care about performance. It could be argued that is at its best at his age. Pedro de la Rosa mentioned.

Fernando Alonso claims Aston Martin car development in line with ‘top teams’

Aston Martin had started the 2023 season in great form. However, the team struggled with developing the challenger down the season and sustained a disappointing end. Regardless, Silverstone has a decent start in the 2024 season. Speaking on AMR24, Alonso explained that he was happy last year and even this year regarding the challenger. The Asturian highlighted that he would like to finish in a better position than last year.

I’m very happy. I was happy last year and I’m still happy now. I feel good with the team, I would love to be in a stronger position than last year. Fernando Alonso said, as reported by motorsportweek.com.

However, the 42-year-old asserted that the team had a ‘road map’ for developing the 2024 challenger. Additionally, Alonso explained that the development of the AMR24 was more ‘aggressive’ this time around. According to the veteran, the development trajectory of the cars was more in line with the top teams on the grid. The Aston Martin’s deal with Honda for power units would further help the British team fight for race wins.

But this year it seems that we have a road map. Developing the car that is a little bit more aggressive. More in line with a top team that wants to fight for big things. I’m happy to see that. Fernando Alonso noted.

Aston Martin is currently in a tight battle with Mercedes for the fourth spot in the constructors championship. Silverstone needs a constant flow of upgrades to continue the battle against the Silver Arrows. The team needs to minimize mistakes down the season and ensure that a performance slump like the 2023 season doesn’t arise again.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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