Fernando Alonso, currently the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid at 44 years old, has opened up about how this status has altered his outlook on both life and racing. With a career spanning more than two decades since his debut in 2001, Alonso shared that although he may not necessarily enjoy racing more than before, his perspective on happiness and priorities has evolved positively.

Throughout his extensive career, Alonso has achieved two World Championships and 32 race victories. After stepping away from F1 at the end of the 2018 season, he returned to the sport in 2021 and continues to compete. His longevity and experience have given him a unique lens through which he views the pressures and opinions that come with professional racing.

Discussing his mindset as the oldest driver, Alonso explained that he now cares less about external opinions and embraces a closer-knit circle of meaningful relationships. He described this phase of life as a valuable and fulfilling moment.

“I care a lot less. I think everybody does, you know, when you are more mature, when you are getting older, you understand that, you know, outside voices and opinions are not relevant,” Fernando Alonso said.

“Your happiness is in a very small group of people and things like that. So, yeah, I think I enjoy, I will not say that I enjoy more now. I would say that I enjoy different now, you know, but yeah, good moment in life.”

The Unexpected Performance Boost at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Since joining Aston Martin in 2023, Alonso has experienced mixed results with the team. Early podium finishes reflected strong performances, but the team’s pace has waned as the season progressed. Still, a surprising surge came during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, when both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll showed unexpectedly strong pace, especially after the second free practice session.

Alonso secured his best finish of the season at this event, claiming fifth place. However, what puzzled the team was the sudden improvement in competitiveness, since no significant upgrades were noted on the car. Alonso highlighted the concern over not fully understanding the factors behind their performance during the weekend.

“It is a surprise. Definitely, it is a surprise. So the good thing is that we were competitive and we were fast,” Fernando Alonso said. “The concerning thing is that we don’t know why. So in a way, we need, this week at the factory to analyse exactly what are the differences between Spa and Hungry.”

Looking Ahead: Aston Martin’s Future and Alonso’s Role

Aston Martin has gathered 52 points this season and remains outside the top tier of competitors. Despite this, optimism surrounds the team’s future prospects, especially with the introduction of new regulations set for 2026. The combination of technical expertise from Adrian Newey and the Honda power unit is expected to elevate the car’s performance significantly.

Fernando Alonso’s demonstrated ability to adapt rapidly to new machinery adds an important advantage for Aston Martin as they prepare for the upcoming changes. His experience and determination are seen as key assets for the team’s long-term success, aiming to return to championship contention in the coming years.