Fernando Alonso has made another piece of Formula 1 history by scoring points at the age of 45, finishing ninth for Aston Martin in the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. At 45 years and 25 days old, the two-time world champion became the first driver in 52 years to score championship points after his 45th birthday.
The result also provided tangible evidence of Aston Martin’s recent progress. Upgrades introduced across the Budapest and Zandvoort weekends, together with Honda’s latest improvements, finally allowed Alonso to fight competitively in the midfield and secure points without needing the extraordinary sequence of retirements and penalties that had helped him finish 10th in Monaco.
Fernando Alonso scores points at 45 after Aston Martin breakthrough
This time, Fernando Alonso crossed the line in ninth place thanks to a strong strategy and the improved qualities of the AMR26. After starting only 18th, the Spaniard climbed into the points and held on to secure two valuable championship points for Aston Martin.
The progress represents another important step after a difficult opening half of the season for the Silverstone team. The relationship between the chassis and power-unit sides has gradually improved, with Adrian Newey highlighting progress in Aston Martin’s work with Honda after a particularly challenging start to the new regulations.
Alonso himself summed up how much the car has changed with a striking message over the radio after the race, describing the AMR26 as a “lovely car to drive”. Only a couple of months earlier, such praise would have been difficult to imagine given the team’s struggles near the back of the field.
Alonso becomes first driver over 45 to score F1 points since 1974
The ninth-place finish also moved Fernando Alonso further into the Formula 1 record books. The Aston Martin driver became the 14th-oldest driver in championship history to score points and the first in 52 years to do so after reaching the age of 45.
The previous driver to achieve the feat was Graham Hill at the 1974 Swedish Grand Prix. Hill finished sixth for Lola at the age of 45 years, three months and 25 days.
Alonso was younger when he achieved his Zandvoort result, but only just beyond the same milestone: 45 years and 25 days.
That makes his two points historically significant as well as valuable to Aston Martin’s season. Alonso’s longevity has already produced numerous Formula 1 records, but scoring competitively at this age is becoming increasingly remarkable in a championship where the physical, technical and sporting demands remain exceptionally high.
Improved AMR26 could give Alonso more opportunities in 2026
The encouraging aspect for Alonso is that this record may not remain unchanged for long. Aston Martin now appears to have a car capable of competing on more equal terms with the rest of the midfield, giving the Spaniard further opportunities to score points before the end of the season.
Honda’s power unit still requires refinement, particularly in terms of drivability and straight-line performance, but the chassis has made a clear step. If Aston Martin can continue that trajectory, Alonso could become a more regular presence in the points during the remaining rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
For now, ninth place at Zandvoort stands as Aston Martin’s clearest sign yet that its recent development work is beginning to produce results – and another reminder that, even at 45, Fernando Alonso continues to add new chapters to his extraordinary Formula 1 career.
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