Toto Wolff applauds Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso for shattering F1 age stereotypes

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are still going strong at the ages of 41 and 38 respectively.

Toto Wolff applauds Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso for shattering F1 age stereotypes

Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff

The Formula One Miami Grand Prix once again saw a strong race for the likes of beloved veteran Fernando Alonso, who finished third, stepping on his 4th podium in five races this year, accredited to his immense consistency and composure behind the wheel.

Similarly, his long-term adversary Lewis Hamilton also put a good shift on track, finishing P6. The Englishman initially only qualified for P13 and was knocked out in Q2. However, he showed he still had the fire, as he fought back even to pass Charles Leclerc in the closing laps.

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The pair Hamilton and Alonso are aged 38 and 41, respectively, but despite being way past their prime, they show no sign of allowing age to hinder their passion and drive for the sport. Speaking to Motorsport.es, Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, praised the veterans. Rather than call it a day on their career, they aspire to reach as far as possible, setting their own limit and benchmark.

He said, “I think they are breaking barriers. We can see athletes like Tom Brady or LeBron James, [ Christian ] Ronaldo, Lewis [ Hamilton ], who will reach beyond 40, and I think if you continue to improve, If you know how to live your best life, bring good nutrition, train and focus, you can stay longer”. The pair currently show no sign of stopping, as their passion is visible in every overtake they make.

Related: Max Verstappen celebrates Miami GP win with super model girlfriend at a Michelin star restaurant

Fernando Alonso is aging like fine wine, in contrast to Lewis Hamilton

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton

The likes of Fernando Alonso is still racing at the very top of his game, although having entered his early forties. Despite no longer being in his prime, it doesn’t seem to matter as the Spaniard delivers consistently solid results week-in, week-out for Aston Martin, maximizing the machinery he is provided.

The other side of this coin is Sir Lewis Hamilton. Despite exhibiting the zeal and ardor that F1 demands, the most recent years in the tail end of the all-timers career have been anything but kind. Ever since he lost out to Max Verstappen in 2021, the superstar has been a shadow of his former self, having to struggle to establish consistency and form. He has not won a race in over 500 days.

Fernando Alonso, despite being older than Hamilton, is not currently struggling at all in that regard, and he seems to display flashes of the young prodigy that broke the domination of Michael Schumacher ever so often. His new team and the way they work in harmony look to be the contributing factor to these positive outcomes.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is yet to put pen to paper on a new extension at the Silver Arrows, clouding his future with doubt. The team has also struggled with regulations, facilitating Hamilton’s struggle behind the wheel. The team’s fight for podiums is becoming an elongated struggle.

Alonso has laid claim to 75 points so far, scoring 15 points every race weekend, placing him third in the drivers’ standings. Hamilton, despite his dire form, isn’t too far behind in fourth, having amassed 56 points. Mercedes’ Imola upgrades will be crucial in Hamilton overturning this 19-point deficit between him and his long-term adversary.

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