Fernando Alonso shuts down F1 abilities doubt despite 'issues' claim

Fernando Alonso believes he is performing "better than ever" as he prepares for his 23rd F1 campaign next year.

Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001 and has won two championships during his time in the sport, with Renault.

However, his last title success came almost 20 years ago, in 2006, while the Spaniard's most recent race win was in 2013 - before the current turbo hybrid era commenced.

Alonso has endured a difficult campaign this year with Aston Martin's challenger unable to compete towards the front of the field , a situation Alonso has regularly found himself in across the last decade. 

But the Spaniard has asserted his personal abilities behind the wheel remain in top shape, suggesting the cause of his lacklustre results is rooted elsewhere.

When asked if he feels he is still performing at his best, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: "Better than ever.

"I think so. I think last year and this year, probably the car is not where we see in the standings.

"We have some issues behind [the scenes] and we've been dealing with some weaknesses that I think are not too obvious sometimes from the outside.

"But I think personally some of the performances of this year and last year were not possible 20 years ago. That's my opinion.

"That's why I'm relaxed, I'm happy, I'm enjoying and I'm confident for next year.”

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Alonso not slowing 'with age'

With 420 F1 race starts to his name, Alonso is the most experienced driver in F1 history, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton second on the list with 375.

Alonso asserted it is only natural for a driver to improve with experience, only to be let down by their reflexes and motivation slowing.

However, the 44-year-old described that such setbacks have not yet hit him.

"Drivers get better with time because you get more experience and you get different scenarios that you already experienced in the past," he said.

"You can treat them better, or you can learn from the mistakes.

"Different driving techniques you draw with many different tyre models and tyre preparations and all sort of things, and with the team as well.

"The thing is that with age, you start losing motivation. You start losing the hunger of training every day and going to the factory, jumping in the car and performing at your best.

"At the moment that didn't arrive to me, but I think that's the problem. I don't think that with age, any driver becomes slower, unless you have a problem of reflexes or vision, something that you are not at your 100%."