The conversation surrounding age and F1 had picked up pace after Kimi Raikkonen’s retirement. The exit now makes Fernando Alonso the oldest driver on the grid; Alonso has been one to quash the negativity surrounding age in the sport. Defending like the master he is, Alonso’s driving hasn’t changed. Thus, he uses age to his advantage.

Looking back at his illustrious career, Alonso has gone beyond the limitations of F1. He believes his time in WEC has helped him in the sport. “Looking at the tracks, I know them all. Everyone is testing 18″ tires right now, but I know these tires very well from the WEC. The tires have exactly the same behaviors. It’s the first time that other drivers have experienced a lot of this, while it’s my 2nd or 3rd time. It’s a good thing.”

Thus, his age and experience give him an upper hand in the upcoming season. Alonso had made his re-entry to the sport in the 2021 season and showed everyone loud and clear that he wasn’t here to play.

Read more: WATCH: Lando Norris Embraces the Daniel Ricciardo ‘Avocado’ Meme

With a podium to his name and multiple highlights of his racecraft on display, Alonso proved time and again that his caliber has nothing to do with his age. In fact, “I feel good for the age and I honestly think it’s an advantage.”

Fernando Alonso talks about his age

There’s nothing tragic about being 40 for the evergreen Fernando Alonso. However, if he were to pinpoint a few of the downsides, it would be the demanding lifestyle of the sport.

Alonso said, “The only problem with being older is having the motivation to devote 300 days to it as you enter a season. You have to have that passion, a lifestyle that helps you commit to the sport.”

Yet, it isn’t a disadvantage to him. ” Right now I want to devote my life to F1. So I only see the advantages.”

Alonso also adds that the cars that used to be difficult to drive, are far from it today. “I don’t think today’s cars are very demanding. I think the vehicles of 2004-2005 are physically the limit.”

Therefore, the driver is still as fit as ever, ready to prey on the cars ahead of him while keeping his contenders at bay. According to him, there’s a lot more to see from the Spaniard before he hangs up his helmet.

Watch this story: From Spice Girls to Earth Livery: Top 5 F1 Car Launches of All-Time