Lando Norris, McLaren Formula 1 driver, thinks the sport might never see a driver like Fernando Alonso. He believes it will be “extremely rare” to find someone who could be successful and race as long as him.
Recently, Aston Martin and Alonso extended their contract for at least two additional year. The new deals mean the driver would be driving until the end of 2026. He will celebrate his 45th birthday in the same year.
Alonso hold unmatched record of most grand prix races ever started. He will set a record of 400 GPs at the Qatar Grand Prix this year.
Norris commented on whether he would like to race for Alonso’s longevity. He said: “I’d better be careful what I say. I think it takes a lot of dedication – I don’t think anyone thinks Fernando lacks that in any way.
“He shows that with everything that he does in life. Whether it’s at the track or away from the track, in different sports or whatever.
“So, it depends on what you want to do. Everyone is different. It’s rare that you see someone commit for so long in any sport.
“He’s probably one of the oldest guys competing at the top of any sport in the world and I think to be able to do that at the level that he has done and continues to do, you’re probably never going to potentially see it again, within Formula 1. And if you do, it’s going be extremely rare.
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“[I have] a lot of lot of respect for that kind of thing. I have no idea if I’ll want to do it in 20 years’ time, if I’m still going strong.
“But I love where I am now and if I continue to do such a thing, yeah, we’ll see.”
Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon from Ferrari and Alpine respectively, did not know that for how long would they race in F1.
Ocon applauded Alonso’s journey and consider it “a dream career for any athlete or racing driver”. He added, “I don’t know if I would still be racing at his age but, truly, his dedication is something that is an example for all of us”.
Leclerc said it is “difficult to imagine myself in 15- or 18-years’ time still [racing] in F1”.
