“Your time is over,” Dutch driver slams 43-year-old Fernando Alonso for not retiring from F1
Racing veteran Tom Coronel urged Fernando Alonso to retire from Formula 1 and make way for new talent on the grid.
Follow Us
Fernando Alonso (via Getty)
Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the 2025 F1 grid. The two-time world champion holds the record for the most race starts in the sport’s history. Now, Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel has hit out at the Spaniard’s extended stay in the F1 paddock.
Coronel claimed that F1 drivers have a time to come and go in the sport, hinting at Alonso’s current stay at Aston Martin. The Dutch veteran admitted that Fernando Alonso remains fully dedicated to the sport, as a ‘topper’ when it comes to on-track performance.
Alonso. It’s a shame but you know, there is a time to come and a time to go. And yes with Alonso, I think you’re cool, I think you’re a topper, a racer through and through, he always goes for it with full dedication.
Tom Coronel told Motorsport.com
Tom Coronel acknowledged that the two-time world champion was trying to achieve something ‘beautiful’ at Aston Martin. However, he made it clear that Fernando Alonso’s time in the sport has been over for a long time. The Spanish driver’s current contract extends till the end of the 2026 season. Though, he has not confirmed his plans following next year.
You know, try to make something beautiful out of that but your time is over and by the way, has been for a long time. What are you still doing [here?]
Tom Coronel added
Fernando Alonso urged to take different role in F1
The 52-year-old highlighted that Alonso has earned a substantial sum during his F1 career. He advised the two-time world champion to try his hands at a different role, potentially coaching drivers. Alonso’s management was behind Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto‘s rise.
You’ve made your money, you know, take a different role in motorsport because that is real. Take the sporting side, go coach drivers. I know that he is behind [Sauber rookie Gabriel] Bortoleto.
Tom Coronel added
Despite Coronel’s comments, it is unlikely that Fernando Alonso would hang up his racing gloves. The 43-year-old still dreams of winning a third world championship. However, it remains to be seen if Aston Martin can provide him a good car in 2026.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Agarwal
(2439 Articles Published)