Fernando Alonso, his time was over
At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is preparing to compete in his 22nd F1 season, but his presence is being questioned by former driver Tom Coronel. This does not diminish the determination of the Spaniard despite his 43 years.
The last time Fernando Alonso made headlines was at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2023. But for former driver Tom Coronel, the Spaniard’s time is over, and he must make way. Words that shock regarding the double world champion, who has climbed onto the podium more than 100 times during his 406 Grand Prix appearances.
After starting his 400th Grand Prix in Qatar in 2024, Fernando will begin his 22nd F1 season with the Australian Grand Prix next March. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the double world champion will announce his retirement at the end of the season since he is under a multi-year contract with Aston Martin.
Alonso started his Formula 1 career with Minardi in 2001, then joined the Renault team where he won two consecutive championships in 2005 and 2006.
His stints at McLaren and Ferrari did not live up to his previous successes, which led him to take a two-year sabbatical before making his return in 2021 with Alpine, where he stayed for two years before joining Aston Martin.
The Dutchman doesn’t mince his words: « Fernando Alonso could be the biggest disappointment of F1 2025. » Coronel seems to forget that Alonso has been the team’s best driver since 2023. His first year with the English team was somewhat of a rebirth, seeing him once again become a regular on the podiums.
Fernando Alonso, who, at 43 years old, still seems just as determined and committed to getting back on the podiums, as we heard during the press conference before the F1 Show 75 in London on Tuesday, February 18. And at the end of last season, where he stated he was ready for the new season.
Even if he couldn’t continue his momentum last season, the Spaniard signed a new multi-year contract, which means he will still be in the car when the Formula 1 vehicle designed by the legendary Adrian Newey comes to life in 2026. On this subject, if you ask Dutch racing driver Coronel what Fernando Alonso should do in 2026, he replies: « He should rather entrust the first car designed by Newey to someone else. Alonso, it’s a shame, but you know, there’s a time to come and a time to go. »
You know, you’re trying to make something beautiful out of it, but your time has passed, and in fact, it has been for a long time. What are you still doing here? In terms of name and that kind of things, respect is great, it’s cool. But you no longer belong there and you know it. So give that place to someone else.
