At 43, Fernando Alonso is the sport’s senior citizen, but despite his age and incredible longevity the Aston Martin charger remains a force to be reckoned with in F1.
The Spaniard’s remarkable achievements in the first part of the 2023 season – when he scored six podiums in the first eight races – left many of his rivals, in awe.
But for Alonso, his level of performance at this stage in his career is more than just personal satisfaction; it’s a statement to a whole new generation of Formula 1 fans who may have underestimated the staying power of the two-time world champion.
Alonso sees his resurgence in 2023 as a pivotal moment for F1's younger audience.
"Last year was a wake-up call for that younger generation,” Alonso said, quoted by RacingNews 365.
“Suddenly it was like, 'Wow, you know, this Fernando Alonso guy is still here, still competitive, and I want to support him. What my parents said about him has to be true’.”
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Indeed, Alonso’s longevity as a Grand Prix driver has created a unique phenomenon: a fan base spanning multiple generations.
"Now, I see a real mix of generations – generations 20 years apart – who are supporting me and interested in F1,” he added.
“I see them in the airports, on the streets, at the track, at my museum. It's very difficult in any sport to find an athlete who has this connection with two very different generations of fans.”
Alonso’s debut in 2001, when many of today’s rising stars were still children, feels like a distant memory to some, yet here he is, still competing at the highest level.
His enduring presence has allowed those who watched him during his prime years to share that experience with their children.
"There are people who followed me in the 2000s, who saw me win those world championships and now their kids, their sons, their daughters, are also watching F1 and supporting me,” Alonso said proudly.
“They're watching the races with their parents. It's incredible to think I’m that link, that connection between them in terms of their passion for the sport.
"It's a wonderful story to be able to bring things full circle."
For Alonso, this connection between generations is not just a personal achievement but also a "wonderful story" about the power of sport to unite people across time.
“It's a wonderful story to be able to bring things full circle,” he said, reflecting on his unique role as a bridge between the old and new eras of Formula 1.
As he approaches his 400th Grand Prix start, Alonso’s presence on the grid continues to inspire not just the younger drivers but fans of all ages who see in him a living reminder that age is no barrier to excellence.
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