“Ageing is just another word for living.” And indeed, the way the 41-year-old has aged like a fine wine. After years of perseverance, Fernando Alonso has finally found a competitive vehicle that he is pushing to the extreme. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Spaniard surprised the Formula 1 community by going back in time and overtaking seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton. And with three podium finishes in a row under his belt at the moment, Alonso has demonstrated that the man has only gotten better with age. By observing the zeal and enthusiasm of the veteran, a Brazilian F1 legend has dismissed the idea that his advanced age will hurt his chances of surviving in the cutthroat competition for another 6 years.

Behind the wheel of a flashy green AMR23, Alonso has been showcasing his abilities. The Spaniard has a distinct advantage over both his teammate Lance Stroll and the opposition. And as the 41-year-old has maintained his fitness in all areas, including mentally, physically, and emotionally, his commitment to racing has only intensified. Many people continue to talk about the veteran’s speed and tenacity. One of them is a two-time world champion, who blessed Alonso with another six years of F1 success after observing his agility.

The Veteran Emerson Fittipaldi was asked during a chat with AS, whether he thinks Fernando’s success still be maintained at the highest level for several years. To that, the former champion gave his own example and while blessing the Spaniard, he said, “I won my last race in the United States at the age of 47 and Alonso can reach that age at a great level. Physically he is very well and hungry for victory. He has the will to win, he has grit as we Brazilians say. His mentality and character are very strong and he is very competitive. That’s what makes the difference.”

READ MORE: With 8 Titles Out of Reach, Fernando Alonso Sets New Goals to Beat Lewis Hamilton and Be the Motorsport GOAT, Not Just F1

After seeing Aston Martin’s success, numerous admirers of the team and Sebastian Vettel, the team’s former driver, might be wondering whether the German driver would have pushed the car to its absolute limits like Alonso if he hadn’t already retired. And millions of Vettel fans will undoubtedly be devastated by the one of F1 experts’ response.

Would Sebastian Vettel have exploited the AMR23 the same way as Fernando Alonso?

Three Formula 1 races have already taken place in Sakhir, Jeddah, and Melbourne, and Fernando Alonso has brought the Aston Martin to the podium on all these occasions. Three times as many as the dazzling green team did the previous year. So, is it merely a result of having a quick car, or is there something else taking place here? When the same subject was posed to Formula 1 expert, Christian Danner, during an interview with Motorsport Magzine.com, he provided a comparison of the two as a response.

The former RTL expert claimed that Alonso contributes significantly more to the team than Sebastian Vettel. But we wonder why did he say that? Let’s find out. Danner still has an excellent relationship with the current Performance Director of Aston Martin owing to his own background as a racing driver. So when he was asked whether Vettel would have started the season as successfully as Alonso he said, “I’m a big Vettel fan, always have been. But I don’t think so.”

He further added, “[Alonso] says very clearly: I don’t have a plan B, I’m a racing driver, that’s it. That’s a big difference. You just have to talk to Tom McCullough. The way Alonso electrifies people, that’s insane. He has an energy and can always implement what needs to be implemented.” While talking of Vettel he said, “That’s something that Vettel could certainly be in the beginning, but he was already so far away from Formula 1 last year, with all his bee hotels and what he did there, that as a consequence he didn’t have the [motivating of the team] as much as Alonso still has.” 

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Do you believe that Alonso will achieve the targets of the team that Sebastian Vettel couldn’t get?