Fernando Alonso's Age-Defying Numbers Reshape F1 History
Approaching 45, Fernando Alonso continues to defy age in F1. With staggering records and unwavering pace, the two-time champion is not just participating; he's rewriting the history books of longevity in the sport.
Fernando Alonso is entering his 23rd Formula 1 season at nearly 45 years old, yet he's producing numbers that are simply staggering. The two-time world champion remains a formidable force, consistently outperforming his teammates and eyeing more records with Aston Martin's ambitious 2026 project, proving that in F1, experience can be as powerful as youth.
Why it matters:
Alonso's career redefines longevity in a physically demanding sport, proving that experience and race craft can remain potent weapons against younger rivals. His performance adds a compelling narrative to the 2026 season, where a new generation of cars and drivers could meet a seasoned master at the peak of his game. A victory this late in his career would shatter a 33-year-old record and become one of the most iconic moments in modern F1, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great.
By the numbers:
Alonso's career is a collection of almost unbelievable statistics that put his longevity into perspective.
- 425 Grand Prix starts: Alonso is the only driver to break the 400-race barrier. By the start of 2026, he will have competed in 37% of all FIA World Championship Grands Prix ever held.
- A 22-year career: This already surpasses the likes of Schumacher, Hamilton, and Räikkönen (19 years each). His career could have spanned 25 years without a sabbatical in 2002 and his brief hiatus from F1 in 2019-2020.
- 35-0 in qualifying: Alonso has beaten teammate Lance Stroll in their last 35 consecutive qualifying sessions, a record against any single teammate in F1 history.
- The long wait for a win: His last victory was in 2013. A win in 2026 would break Riccardo Patrese's record for the longest time between wins (over six years) and make Alonso the oldest race winner since Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957.
What's next:
Alonso and Aston Martin are pinning their hopes on the 2026 regulation overhaul to provide the machinery needed for a final shot at victory. With a new works partnership with Honda, sustainable fuels from Aramco, and the strategic addition of design legend Adrian Newey, the team believes it can build a title-contending car. This provides Alonso with a realistic opportunity to add to his 32 wins and secure a fairytale conclusion to one of the most remarkable careers in motorsport history.