For Fernando Alonso, age is just a number, the Aston Martin charger seeing little difference between being 41 or 25 as success is first and foremost about "going fast".
With a career spanning over two decades, Alonso has consistently defied the conventional wisdom that suggests youth is a prerequisite for success in Formula 1.
His indomitable spirit, unwavering dedication to his craft, and unparalleled racing instincts have allowed him to transcend the limitations often associated with age.
In Alonso's world, it's not about youth; it's about the unquenchable thirst for going fast, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the insatiable desire to win.
His mantra serves as a testament to the enduring power of passion and determination in the face of any numerical constraint.
"It [my age] was the theme all through the year," joked the Spaniard. "But no, I think people already saw that you know, it's not a big change when you're 41 or when you're 25.
"It's more in your head, in the motivation, how you approach the weekend. And yeah, races like today or the stars of today, or even a few examples, you know, in other teams - they bet more on experience. Like Daniel now in AlphaTauri and things like that.
"So it's not about youth, it's just about going fast."
©AstonMartin
Alonso's performances in the first part of the season certainly upheld his convictions. Aston Martin's spectacular step forward this season has surprised both its rivals and its fans
And the outfit's slump in recent races takes nothing away from its merits insists Alonso.
"[It has been] a dream first half of the season," he said. "We are P3 in the constructors' championship in front of Ferrari, we are P3 in the drivers' championship together with Lewis.
"It was impossible to think this way in Bahrain."
The F1 veteran and his team's results have also vindicated his choice of leaving Alpine at the end of last season and joining Aston's ambitious "project".
"You know, it would be nice to have a crystal ball and before you make a decision in switching teams you know the future," Alonso said.
"But yeah, you know, in the end, I'm happy where I am, and there is a project here into the future and I'm very proud."
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