Nico Rosberg, Mika Häkkinen and Gerhard Berger have praised the determination and passion for Formula 1 that Fernando Alonso still has at 40 years old. Everyone agrees that he deserves more titles than he has.
Fernando Alonso He is the driver who has been in Formula 1 the longest in the entire history of the category. And this year he will become the one who has played the most Grand Prix. But that does not mean that the Spanish rider has started his sporting decline and exhibitions like the one last Saturday in Canada are a good example of this.
Although things did not go well on Sunday, his speed and drive have not gone unnoticed and the praises have been repeated throughout the paddock of the Formula 1. Even several ex-drivers have admitted to being impressed by the level that a driver of Fernando Alonso’s age continues to have.
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Let the young people win the job
In fact, Nico Rossberg He has even defended Fernando Alonso’s right to continue in Formula 1 despite his age, as he is demonstrating an impressive level that many others cannot even dream of.
“I have a clear and concise opinion: Alonso drives impressively so no one should suggest he’s taking someone’s seat. He deserves the seat he’s in. There are other drivers in Formula 1 who should leave room for someone like Piastri,” says the 2016 world champion.
«He is ten years older than when I retired, it is crazy. I’m a big fan of Alonso at the moment because I find him very exciting. We know that in terms of talent and skills he is one of the best of all time»reiterates Nico Rosberg, who decided to retire in 2016 after winning the World Cup against Lewis Hamilton.
burned bridges
In what Nico Rosberg also agrees with many of the members of the paddock is that Fernando Alonso does not have more titles, among other things, because many doors were closed in Formula 1 for not properly managing his time at teams like McLaren and Ferrari.
“Sometimes he has lacked that social competence, he often had a hard time being in the best teams with the best cars because they really didn’t want him anymore because of the bridges he burned in the past.”Rosberg laments.
“Definitely, that was one of his weaknesses in his career in terms of getting better results, but in terms of talent he is surely one of the best of all time or is up there.
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Age doesn’t forgive, but…
Nico Rosberg also had a champion at his side who, after a period of absence, returned to Formula 1 at an advanced age. But in the case of Michael Schumacher things were not so simple.
«I had Michael as a partner with 40, 41, 42 and I saw how the speed was still there. But sometimes there were some weaknesses in the ability to adapt to new situations, sometimes you see that age affects. That Fernando continues driving like this is so good…», indicates the former German champion. “I think that, in terms of career, Fernando could have achieved even better results, but in terms of talent he has shown that he is one of the best of all time.
“It is brilliant to see what he is doing with this car because Ocon is a very good driver and Alonso was miles behind him all weekend in terms of performance in Canada. I was very disappointed because I wanted to see Fernando on the podium. I think Alpine also made a mistake. It wasn’t just bad luck. It was horrible to see him go backwards, “laments Rosberg.
mental and physical strength
Mika Hakkinen He is another of the drivers who retired prematurely as he could not stand the pressure of having to compete to win in Formula 1. For this reason, the two-time Finnish world champion is well aware of the kind of sacrifice that Fernando Alonso currently makes.
“Fernando started racing in Formula 1 during my last season, so it’s amazing to see him on the front row of the grid more than 20 years later!”he exclaims in surprise. “He still loves racing in F1 and made the most of Saturday’s challenging weather conditions to take second position on the grid.”
“It takes a great deal of mental and physical strength and stamina to remain competitive at this level, so it’s no small achievement for Fernando to have been fighting for pole position.”
Gerhard Bergerone of the drivers who suffered from Piquet, Senna, Mansell and Prost in the 80s and 90s, admits that he is amazed at Fernando Alonso. “I’m lovin ‘it. I have to say that, with his talent, Alonso could have five world titles. He is a brilliant pilot ».
“After McLaren, he closed the doors a bit because if he was in a Mercedes he would have five world titles. I am 100% sure that with the right car I would be fighting for the title.”concludes the Austrian.
Photos: Alpine F1 Team