Carlos Alcaraz lavished high praise on compatriot and two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso, marveling at what the Spaniard is continuing to do at the age of 41. Currently driving for Aston Martin in the 2023 season, Alonso has been on the podium at both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix so far and is third in the Driver's standings.
With 32 race wins under his belt so far, Alcaraz hopes the former Ferrari driver can win his 33rd at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, adding that it was "wonderful" to see him fight so hard to win his third F1 championship this year.
“I'm rooting for 'Fer' to see if he gets his 33rd win in Australia. For me, it is crazy what he is doing at his age," Alcaraz said to ATPTour.com. "He is practically fighting for the Formula 1 world championship. It is wonderful to have him there."
The World No. 1 further stated that it was because of Fernando Alonso that he developed a big interest in F1 and started going to races, which was the reason why he gave a shout-out to the Spanish driver after his latest Miami Open win.
“I have to admit that I never had a great interest, but Fernando has made me a fan of Formula 1, he has made me watch the races, he has made me support him. And what better way to support Fernando than with a nod to the camera," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Finally, the teenager speculated on what kind of a racer he would be if he had the opportunity to race in F1 alongside Alonso, opining that he would be "very aggressive" behind the wheel.
"I would be a very aggressive pilot [if I competed in F1 alongside Fernando Alonso!" Alcaraz said.
Carlos Alcaraz locks horns with Taylor Fritz in hunt of Sunshine Double
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is three wins away from becoming the 12th player overall and the youngest-ever to win the Sunshine Double, having reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 Miami Open. The reigning Indian Wells champion took down Tommy Paul in the fourth round and will take on another American, Taylor Fritz, in the next match.
Ahead of the clash, the World No. 1 touched on his recent injury at the Rio Open last month, confirming that he has completely recovered and that he has been functioning at 100% capacity the last couple of weeks.
"Right now I feel healthy, I feel every way, not thinking about my leg. Right now all I'm thinking is to play at my high level at my 100%, and therefore, forgot the leg completely," Carlos Alcaraz said.