Sky F1's Martin Brundle says Fernando Alonso remains one of the best F1 drivers on the grid, and insists the Alpine charger could vye for the world title if he was driving for Mercedes.
Alonso heads into his nineteenth season in F1, having started his career in 2001 with Minardi.
The 40-year-old Spaniard departed the grid at the end of 2018 to pursue his ambitions in the WEC, at Indianapolis and in the Dakar rally raid event before he returned to F1 last season with Alpine.
Although constrained to mid-field battles upon his return to the fray, Alonso displayed the feisty spirit and fiercely competitive vigor that have earned him a spot among F1's all-time greats.
And Brundle believes those qualities along with Alonso's remarkable talent remain intact to this day.
"Fernando, if he was in the Mercedes, I think he's got a world championship potential," said the former F1 driver. "That's how he's driving.
"He seems to have all the old aggression. They're in such a good shape mentally, physically, hydration, nutrition, this age barrier doesn't exist.
"The cars are not as physical with the absolute loads. With power steering and all that, they are not as physical as they used to be.
"Plus they're not all smashed up and limping like my generation, who had a few hits on the head. So they're in great nick.
"And they're experienced, especially with a massive change that we just had in the regulation. So I think Fernando is still one of the best on the grid."
Formula 1 currently boasts an impressive array of young talent led by reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
But Brundle believes that seasoned drivers such as Alonso or Sebastian Vettel still add value to Grand Prix racing's grid and represent a standard value of sorts for the younger generation.
"I think a Formula 1 grid always benefits from world class drivers like Fernando and Seb, and the young guns going for them," he added.
"That's perfect that sort of transition. I think Kimi kind of had his best and couldn't wait to get out in the end. That was the right decision.
"Isn't it the same in any sport with the young chargers coming through. You need the barometer of world champions like Seb and Fernando."
As for Brundle's assertion that Alonso would be in the running this year if he were onboard a Mercedes, the man himself countered the claim, believing that Alpine is on path to becoming a championship contender.
"No, I hope it's on the Alpine, so I disagree with that," said Alonso, responding to Brundle's comment.
"We think that we can have a chance maybe, with a new set of regulations that started this year," said Alonso.
"In a short/medium term programme, Alpine should be capable of fighting for the championship.
"That's why we are here and why we work so hard. There is the budget cap in place, there are other things that F1 went into.
"And I think there is a possibility for everyone, and that is why Alpine and Groupe Renault in general is here."
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