In 2025, Fernando Alonso will extend his partnership with Aston Martin.
In a career that spans more than two decades, Fernando Alonso says yesteryear’s F1 drivers were “tough competitors” while today’s generation have “lost a little bit” of character.
In 2001, he made his debut in Formula 1, facing tough competition from renowned World Champions such as Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, and Jacques Villeneuve.
Fernando Alonso: Maybe they lost a little bit their own character
Today, the 42-year-old finds himself not only as the final representative of his generation, but also as a competitor against Oscar Piastri, a driver who was born just a month after he made his debut with Minardi.
In the coming year, Oliver Bearman can be included in that list. Interestingly, when Alonso claimed his initial F1 World title in 2005, the 2025 Haas Formula 1 driver was just four months old.
It is, Alonso feels, a very different generation from the one he started out racing against. Not so much in terms of talent, but rather the people they are when the helmets come off.
“Definitely, there are some differences. I think the older generation were a bit more genuine,” he told the Financial Times. “Different in character, in the way they approached racing and life. They were very tough competitors.
In my opinion, I believe that their talent has significantly improved over time due to various factors such as extensive preparation, training at academies, utilization of simulators, advanced technology, and access to vast amounts of data. As a result, they enter the world of Formula 1 with a higher level of readiness compared to earlier times.
However, whether they are off track or without their helmet, they might still exhibit some similarities and tend to be more reserved in their approach. They rely on others to speak on their behalf, whether it’s for managing their affairs, dealing with the media, or ensuring their physical fitness.
“They are adequately prepared, but perhaps they have slightly deviated from their original character.”
One could argue that even prior to Alonso’s debut on the grid, the drivers from previous generations, such as James Hunts and Niki Laudas, possessed distinct characteristics compared to his own.
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Despite being 42 years old, Alonso, the double World Champion, recently inked a fresh contract with Aston Martin. This extension has the potential to keep him in the racing scene for an additional two seasons.
He believes that even today, he remains the same “strong competitor” he was in the past.
James Allen reminded Alonso of a time when he was 22 years old and confidently expressed to journalists that he wanted to be recognized as the best driver, causing Alonso to chuckle and affirm that he still holds the same belief.
I hope that when you encounter a driver, they possess the admiration and recognition for you as a resilient competitor who never gives up.
In my opinion, after two decades, certain objectives were indeed fulfilled through the championships. I am capable of accomplishing great things as long as I possess the appropriate tools. Even if the vehicle is not in perfect condition, others should still be wary of my capabilities. I will forever remain determined and unwavering. I have not altered my approach.
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