Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso recently took a trip down memory lane and reminisced about the golden era of Formula 1, which he misses dearly. He longs for the days when cars used to pit for refueling, sponsors were more closely connected to real-world marketing, and the sound of the engines echoed through the circuits on race days.
Despite his nostalgia for the past, Alonso acknowledged that Formula 1 is currently in one of its most exciting and prosperous periods. The Spanish veteran, who made his debut in the sport in 2001, has witnessed the evolution from thunderous V8s and V10s to the current V6 hybrid ground effect era. Looking ahead to 2026, Alonso is preparing for a new era where F1 cars will be powered by a combination of internal combustion and electric power.
Having achieved 22 pole positions, 32 race wins, 106 podium finishes, and over 2,300 points throughout his career, Alonso recently celebrated the milestone of competing in 400 Grands Prix after the Mexico City Grand Prix. He described this achievement as the result of all the sacrifices he has made in his journey as a racer.
When asked about his thoughts on the early eras of Formula 1, Alonso expressed his longing for the thrill of refueling, the speed of cars on Sundays, the unique sound of the engines, and the involvement of bigger sponsors and grid girls and boys in the sport. He highlighted the shift in marketing strategies from a more real-world approach to the current dominance of social media.
However, despite his fondness for the past, Alonso acknowledged that the sport is currently at its peak. He praised the advancements made in Formula 1 over the years and its increasing popularity, especially in the United States. Alonso credited Liberty Media for the sport’s global appeal and commended the teams for their professionalism, discipline, and adherence to budget caps.
While reflecting on the past strategies and pit stop opportunities that added an element of unpredictability to races, Alonso noted the differences in race dynamics between the past and present. He mentioned the challenges of managing fuel loads and battery usage in the current era, which can sometimes lead to slower race starts. Despite these changes, Alonso firmly believes that the sport is currently experiencing its best moment.
In conclusion, Fernando Alonso’s reflections on Formula 1’s past and present shed light on the evolution of the sport and the nostalgic sentiments shared by many fans and drivers. As the sport continues to innovate and adapt to modern trends, Alonso remains optimistic about the future of Formula 1 and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
