Fernando Alonso’s first 400 GPs
This weekend’s race in Mexico won’t be just another one for Fernando Alonso. The Spanish driver, who has unveiled a special helmet for the occasion that traces his career like frames in a movie, is already the record holder for appearances, but at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he will hit 400 F1 GPs. It’s a special milestone for a driver who, even though he hasn’t had a particularly competitive car this year, has shown he’s still fast and motivated despite the relentless passage of time.
Another 40-50 F1 races before retiring
“It’s nice,” Fernando Alonso explained in an interview published by Aston Martin, “to reach this milestone. Obviously, winning championships and races is what matters most to us drivers, but at the same time, this record shows my love for F1 and the discipline I’ve had to perform at such a high level for over 20 years. During this time, I became world champion and had incredible experiences racing against some of the best in the world and on the most beautiful circuits. I don’t think I’ll add another 400 GPs to my total, but I hope to have at least another 40 or 50 races over the next two years.”
Fernando Alonso and the secret to youth
Fernando Alonso also explained why, at 43, he’s still fighting against much younger drivers (sometimes with lingering disputes, like after the battle with Liam Lawson in the Austin Sprint Race): “I love F1 and racing as much as ever. I enjoy competing and pushing myself to find the best in me every single day. I’m always looking for that extra 1% to keep improving. I want to do more in this sport, and the project we have at Aston Martin is exciting. We have a new era of regulations coming in 2026, and that will bring new opportunities with partners like Honda and with the involvement of people like Adrian Newey.”
The positive changes in modern F1
According to Fernando Alonso, staying youthful is easier in a modern F1 that has improved in many ways compared to when he started: “I think modern F1 is easier on the body compared to earlier eras, and that allows you to race longer. The physical challenge is still huge, but F1 technology has changed, and the cars are a bit more driver-friendly. The comfort of the seats, safety devices, helmets… Everything has evolved for the better.”
“Even the race pace is less stressful than in the past since today’s cars start with a full fuel load, and we have to manage tires and energy during the race. So, for long stretches, we’re not at maximum performance. The only physically demanding moment is qualifying, but it’s very short. So, I have no problems keeping up with the younger drivers in terms of physical condition.” – the former Ferrari and McLaren driver pointed out.
At 43, Fernando Alonso has enjoyed a highly successful career, securing two world championships, though not without facing some frustrating seasons. Now racing with Aston Martin, after joining in 2023, Alonso’s team has seen its competitiveness drop, currently sitting a distant fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Aston Martin has been actively strengthening its lineup, bringing in talents like Alonso and Adrian Newey, who will join in 2025 as Formula 1 prepares for new regulations in 2026.
However, retirement looms as a genuine consideration for Fernando Alonso after more than two decades on the grid. Speaking on the F1: Beyond The Grid podcast, he outlined the key factors that will influence his decision at the end of 2026. Having made his debut with Minardi in 2001, Fernando Alonso has had a long career, with brief breaks in 2019 and 2020 to pursue races like Le Mans and the Indy 500.
Motivation remains a critical determinant of a driver’s longevity, particularly with the increasing number of races in a season. the Spaniard has shown no signs of losing his drive, despite often being stuck in a less competitive car.
Looking ahead, Fernando Alonso has confirmed his intent to continue racing for the next few seasons, especially anticipating the chance to drive a car designed by Adrian Newey. But whether that same level of motivation persists beyond the 2026 season will ultimately dictate his decision to retire or keep going.
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