Fernando Alonso discusses “strange feeling”  modern day F1 as compared to when he made his debut

Fernando Alonso went down memory lane and compared his early days in the sport with that of modern-day Formula 1. The Spaniard claimed that days in the early 2000s involved more heroics compared to the present.

Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid, wh is also known for his versatility and experience in different categories of motorsport, such as World Endurance Racing, and IndyCar Series.

The Spaniard is one of five drivers in F1's history to win a championship, as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans. On top of that, Alonso boasts two titles and 32 Grand Prix wins.

In an interview with the Times, Alonso said that Formula 1 had more heroes during the time when he started out.

"In a good way, it is easier for drivers of this generation to drive Formula 1 cars, whereas before it was more heroic," said Fernando Alonso. It's a strange feeling, not a sad one, but I remember that when I made my debut and arrived at an event, I saw that respect towards me and I was one of those heroes who drove those super-fast cars."

"When I came to Formula 1 20 years ago, the engineer was not able to explain anything to me about the car. The drivers had to know how to drive them. Before we didn't have simulators, so every track I went to I had to learn the day before by walking," he added.

Alonso, in 2024, is currently racing in his 20th F1 season and has 106 podiums under his belt. Throughout his F1 career, he raced for six different teams. These include Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine and Aston Martin, which is his current team.

Fernando Alonso and his vast F1 experience

Fernando Alonso with his title-winning team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2005

Fernando Alonso is one of the very few drivers to drive five different generations of cars. He drove the V-10 cars that existed from 2000-2005, followed by 2.4 liter V8 engines from 2006-2008, and 2009-2013.

Besides this, the Spaniard did not miss out on the 1.6 liter turbocharged V8 from 2014-2021 to the current ground effect cars from 2022. Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin which will see the 42-year-old race in the upcoming 2026 generation car as well.

The Spaniard is currently ranked ninth in the Drivers' standings at the 2021 Formula One World Championship, with 41 points to his name. He is currently the highest-ranked driver from Aston Martin in the Championship, two spots above 11th-placed Lance Stroll.

Alonso's best performance so far is a fifth-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. He finished sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix.