"It means I’m not the oldest driver here" - Lewis Hamilton on Fernando Alonso's contract extension

Lewis Hamilton joked that Fernando Alonso's contract extension with Aston Martin means that he will not be the older driver on the grid for the next couple of seasons. The Spaniard announced a multi-year contract extension last week amidst speculation about his future.

Alonso's future had a major question mark hanging over it earlier in the season. He is already more than 40 years of age and had expressed doubts before committing to the sport. There had been rumors of Alonso discussing with other teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, before finally signing with Aston Martin.

Talking about the Spaniard, Lewis Hamilton joked that the best part of Fernando Alonso continuing to be a part of F1 is that it means the Mercedes driver is not going to be the oldest on the grid. Hamilton also pointed out how the performance put together by the Spaniard shows what is possible in terms of longevity in F1.

Talking to the media, including Sportskeeda, Lewis Hamilton said:

"I think it’s a real positive, firstly because it means I’m not the oldest driver here so that’s the best part. But also Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here, continue to have the output that he’s had just shows what’s possible. Just shows the new era of athletes, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”

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Lewis Hamilton takes aim at the media questioning his move to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton also fired shots at the media, questioning his move to Ferrari. The driver had stormed off the interview after the race in Suzuka when he was questioned about his move to the Italian team.

Talking to the media in China before the start of the race weekend, Lewis Hamilton claimed that he did not need any vindication about his decision to move from Mercedes. He said:

"Well, I don't feel like I need my decision vindicating. I think I know what's right for me, and that hasn't changed since the moment that I made the decision. There's not been a moment where I've questioned it, and I'm not swayed by other people's comments."

Hamilton added:

"Even today, there's people continuing to talk sh*t, and it will continue on for the rest of the year. And I'll have to just do what I did in the previous time. Only you can know what was right for you. And it will be an exciting time for me."

The driver has not had the best start to the season at Mercedes. He will be looking to put together a stronger weekend in Shanghai and get his season back on track.