News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh/19th April 2024
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has declared his intention to continue racing “well into my 40s,” following in the footsteps of his longtime rival Fernando Alonso, who recently signed a deal with Aston Martin that will keep him in the sport until at least 2026, surpassing his 45th birthday.
Hamilton, who will turn 40 next year, embarks on a new chapter in his career with Ferrari, committing to at least a two-year stint with the iconic team. Expressing admiration for Alonso’s enduring presence in the sport, Hamilton remarked, “I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around.”
Reflecting on Alonso’s remarkable longevity and prowess, Hamilton hailed him as one of the sport’s finest talents, underscoring the transformative potential of athletes in the modern era. He noted, “Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible.”
In a testament to the evolving paradigm of athletic performance, Hamilton acknowledged the unforeseen trajectory of his own career, remarking, “I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”
Hamilton’s sentiments were echoed by McLaren driver Lando Norris, who marveled at Alonso’s enduring excellence in Formula 1. Recognizing the rarity of such longevity at the sport’s pinnacle, Norris remarked, “He is one of the oldest guys competing at the top in any sport.”
Acknowledging Alonso’s unwavering commitment and dedication, Norris emphasized the profound impact of his enduring legacy. He remarked, “It takes a lot of dedication. I don’t think anyone thinks Fernando lacks that in any way. He shows that in every part of his life.”
French driver Esteban Ocon, Alonso’s former teammate at Alpine, lauded his unwavering dedication as an exemplar for aspiring racers. Ocon remarked, “His dedication is an example for all of us.”Alonso’s enduring presence in Formula 1 represents a departure from convention, as he becomes the first driver in decades to compete at the top level into his mid-40s, akin to the likes of Jack Brabham and Graham Hill.As the Chinese Grand Prix returns to the calendar after a hiatus induced by the pandemic, the inaugural ‘sprint’ weekend ushers in a new era of competition. With modifications to the format, including qualifying for the sprint event on Friday afternoon and subsequent races on Saturday morning, teams are adapting to the evolving dynamics of the sport.
World champion Max Verstappen endorsed the revised format, asserting that it “makes more sense” than previous iterations. Moreover, the allowance for teams to alter their cars after the sprint event underscores the sport’s commitment to fostering innovation and competitiveness.As Hamilton and Alonso prepare to embark on the next phase of their illustrious careers, their enduring rivalry and mutual respect underscore Formula 1’s enduring allure and capacity for transcendent achievement.
