While it is said that you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain, the saying can be translated into the F1 world as bidding goodbye to the sport while you still have a smile on your face. While many were speculating that the man was to hang his boots sooner rather than later, a new life has been breathed into his career by the unconventional Aston Martin move he made last year. But will the man stay around to make a run for his third title?

Let’s start with the sad fact that 41-year-old Fernando Alonso has scored only four podiums in almost a decade. Now moving on to the good news, three of those four have been this year. While the Spaniard himself isn’t sure about bidding goodbye to the sport, the temptation has exactly what is troubling Fernando Alonso. In an interview with Marca, Nando was asked if, after this start to the season, it is easier for him to think about continuing beyond 2024. Is it possible to continue in F1 beyond the age of 45?

Alonso answered in confusion, stating, “I don’t know at this time. I haven’t thought about that possibility yet. At the moment I have these two years in which I have to see things, develop things with the team, but it is true that we are in a better position than we thought…”

He added, “We believed that we would be fighting for podiums in 2024 and we have done it three times this year. Things seem to be going better than we expected and maybe that means being tempted to extend the contract in the future, but there is also the temptation to finish and do it with a smile on your face. I do not know, that’s the truth. It is true that in 2026 there will be another regulation change with the new engines…”

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And while this may or may not work out for the matador, his ex-nemesis vouches for his fitness and skill.

Fernando Alonso sets an example for Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso haven’t been the best of friends, especially when they partnered at McLaren. However, over the course of years and with more maturity, the duo has come to respect each other’s craft. A testimony to the same is Lewis’ latest remark about the Spaniard.

Lewis Hamilton when asked by Motorsport about age affecting the game, he said, “You have to look at how Fernando [Alonso] is driving, the talent is still there, it hasn’t gone away, he’s in great shape and he’s doing an incredible job. I think the DNA of racing is in the blood, and now the younger generation is more informed, stronger, and fitter.”

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Do you think Fernando will break further records and stay in F1 beyond 2024?