Fernando Alonso says he intends to continue racing in Formula 1 for another few years, and that his plans aren't necessarily dependent on Alpine retaining him. The two-time World Champion - who returned to F1 with the French team in 2021 after two years away - will see his contract come to a close at the end of 2022. Alonso turns 41 later this year, and is currently partnered up with Esteban Ocon, with the French driver on a long-term deal that will see him race with Alpine until the end of 2024. With reigning Formula 2 Champion Oscar Piastri waiting in the wings for his Formula 1 opportunity, Alonso has poured cold water on the suggestion that his age might stand against him when it's time for contract negotiations.
Alonso sends a message to Alpine
"No, no, I think, obviously if I was 25, [there] will not be this talk, [this] age thing that people try to find a way for the young talents," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com , when asked about the situation. "I think this is about performance. And, last year, I think I did well – I finished slightly in front of Esteban [and]let's see this year [how] the battle goes. "This is about performance, not about age. As I said, at the beginning of the year, I think I still feel competitive and fast, and feel that I'm enjoying [my] time in Formula 1. "I will race, I guess, a couple more years – two or three more years." But Alonso appeared to take the opportunity to send a message to his current team. "If it's with Alpine, it will be good," he commented. "If it's with another team, [it] will be good as well. I will find out and I will start these discussions, probably in summer, and let's see."
Alpine full of praise for Piastri
While Alonso's seat may come under threat from the young Australian racer once discussions start later in the year, the veteran driver is full of praise for Piastri. "He's a good guy, obviously very talented," Alonso said. "[He's] won all of the junior categories until now, which obviously shows that he has the talent, and [he's] very professional and hard-working on the simulator and in the factory and all our meetings. "It was his birthday, I think, two days ago, so [he's] still very young. Hopefully, he finds a seat soon."
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