The start of the World Championship has been difficult for Fernando Alonso, and doubts are arising in France about his age and whether he can continue to perform at the highest level. The f1i.autojournal media is already questioning whether age is starting to take its toll on the two-time world champion who, at 43 years old, is going through one of the most difficult moments of his professional career.
An uphill start to the season for Alonso
Fernando Alonso has started the World Championship with two retirements, something that had only happened to him during 2017 with Mclaren. In addition to this, the Asturian driver has admitted to suffering from a neck injury, although this did not end him in the Chinese GP as he could hardly complete any laps. On top of all this, Lance Stroll has had a much better start to the championship than expected.
From France they point out that mechanical problems, such as the overheating of the brakes that caused him to retire in China, can happen to any driver on the grid, but his accident in Australia and the neck problems cast doubt on whether his physical condition is adequate to continue in the world of F1. His neck injury could be weighing down the Asturian driver and his competitiveness.
A new challenge for Alonso
Throughout his career, Alonso has demonstrated an exceptional ability to defy expectations and come out on top in difficult moments. But as the years go by, the new generations are arriving stronger, better prepared and with outstanding physical conditions that set the bar very high for the veterans on the grid, as is the case with Fernando Alonso.
The question is whether or not the Spaniard is capable of adapting to the new challenges of F1 and being able to demonstrate that experience is a degree and a competitive advantage in a sport in which every thousandth of a second opens or closes doors, just ask Lawson.
There is a long way to go in the championship and Fernando Alonso’s race has been praised and cannot be doubted over these last two races, but in a championship where there is going to be great equality, the next two will be key to his future. They say that he is expected to step up from now on, but if he doesn’t, his future could be compromised.
Alonso’s future at Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso has a contract until the end of 2026 with Aston Martin. The British team, which has invested heavily in the structure and with renowned signings such as Adrian Newey, has its objectives set from 2026 with the new regulations. If Fernando Alonso does not achieve good results, his fate could be to leave the team.
Lance Stroll‘s place is almost assured given that his father is the owner, but Alonso’s is not guaranteed. There are performance clauses in the contract and the rumors of Max Verstappen with Aston Martin are not unfounded, the New Zealander has made it known that there have been contacts. Verstappen could be the cornerstone for Aston Martin’s new project and Fernando Alonso will have to prove a lot this year to keep the faith in him.
For now, Alonso is keeping his composure, considering that he has always had that determination with which he has lived his whole life. The question is whether his physique and his car will allow him to continue at the top of the competition.