Any time passed was better. The same week that Formula 1 announced the new regulations for 2026, The phenomenon of nostalgia has taken over the paddock. In just a couple of days, this new revolution has gained followers, but also many reluctance among drivers who have a bit of doubt about how all these new rules will affect racing. With 20 years of experience within the Great Circus, Fernando Alonso analyzed in an interview with The Times that mastery of yesteryear that is now light years away from what is seen now on the track with the younger drivers and that, in some way, made Sundays much more special. “I remember that when I came to F1, the engineer was not able to explain anything to me about the car,” confesses the Spaniard, which further highlighted the talent of those who got behind the wheel.
“We didn’t have simulators, Every circuit I went to I had to learn the day before by walking,” adds the Spaniard, 42 years old and with 388 races under his belt, comparing the current preparation in which the drivers “they run 200 and 300 laps of the circuit on which they are going to race, so they know perfectly every pothole, every curve, every curb.” There is no doubt that “the equipment is now much more sophisticated” and all the technology has caused the information to multiply considerably, to the point of being able to tell “the driver how to brake in that corner, how to warm up the tires, how to prepare the classification or how to drive in the race.” “The drivers should be able to know how to drive the car,” declares the Spaniard, who continues to dedicate his free time to driving: “It’s not that when I have a free weekend I dedicate myself to another hobby. “My hobby is driving.”
Regarding the current competition, Fernando leaves this reflection: “It is, in a good way, easier for drivers of this generation to drive Formula 1 cars, whereas before he was more heroic. It’s a strange feeling, not sad, but I remember when I debuted and arrived at an event, I saw this respect towards me and I was one of those heroes who drove these super fast cars. Now when there is a young driver who debuts at 16 or 17 years old, it seems that it is easier for everyone. “We have lost a little of that heroism that we had before.”
Future
But despite that long-awaited F1, Alonso will live within the paddock the new revolution. His renewal with Aston Martin puts him on the starting grid, at least until 2026, when he will turn 45 and without knowing when it will be time to say goodbye. Although it gives details: “I will be part of the team for many years, even when I don’t drive, and Lance (stroll) will lead this team in the future. I will always support him.” Of course, the idea of being a team manager does not excite him, since he requires the same amount of trips per year, but without getting behind the wheel of the car. “It’s a strange thing because we are privileged, only 20 in the world driving Formula 1 cars, so it is logical that you think that you would love to do this as long as you are fast and you are happy, but, at the same time, “It is taking away everything that makes you happy in your life,” he adds, referring to the most personal part.
In fact, among current drivers, Max Verstappen was the last to say that he would not race until he was 40 years old. However, Alonso jokes with the comment: “That’s what I thought when I was Max’s age. I remember it was in 2007, I signed a contract with McLaren for three years after being world champion with Renault and I was 200% sure that it was my last contract. Then in 2018 I thought it was my last season and I said ‘goodbye’ to F1, thinking it was enough for my career. I found that even when I decided to stop, I couldn’t.” And even though he is part of the starting grid of each grand prix, the two-time champion does not leave aside the idea of pursuing new challenges, like winning a Dakar Rally. But from time to time: “I know that soon the moment will come again when I say goodbye to F1 one hundred percent and I don’t know exactly what I will do.”
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