Alonso's F1 Longevity Draws 'Early Retirees' Jibe from Frentzen

Former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen recently joked on social media that Fernando Alonso's record-setting career makes drivers from his era look like "early retirees." The comment highlights the astonishing longevity of the two-time world champion, who is set to begin his 23rd season in Formula 1 at the age of 45.

Why it matters:

Alonso's career span is unprecedented in the hyper-competitive modern era of F1. His sustained success defies the sport's physical and mental toll and the recent trend of promoting younger talent, cementing his legacy not just as a champion, but as a model of durability and relentless passion for motorsport.

The details:

• Frentzen, who competed between 1994 and 2003, retired at 36 with 160 Grand Prix starts to his name. His career-best result was a third-place finish in the 1999 championship.
• In stark contrast, Alonso holds the all-time record for race starts with an astonishing 425 entries. His upcoming 23rd season will set another all-time benchmark for longevity.
• The Spaniard's connection to peak performance extends beyond F1; he was recently seen driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The Adrian Newey-designed hypercar is a road-legal machine with engineering and performance closer to an F1 car than a conventional vehicle.

Looking ahead:

As Alonso prepares for another season with Aston Martin, his role extends beyond just driving. His immense experience and feedback are invaluable for developing the team's cars, while his competitive spirit ensures he remains a formidable opponent on track, inspiring both fans and fellow drivers.