Fernando Alonso continues to extend longevity records in Formula 1, staying at the forefront as the sport reaches Monza this weekend. The veteran Spaniard, now 41, remains fully focused on performance and the drive that keeps him competing at the highest level. He hints at a future beyond two or three more seasons, suggesting the goal of reaching 400 grands prix may still be within reach if the form holds. He stresses that the emphasis is on performance rather than the numbers, noting that while the Grand Prix tally is a personal milestone, it does not define his motivation or identity as a racer. His passion and discipline, he says, are what sustain him through the toughest stretches and keep him pressing toward new chapters.
On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, Alonso underlines that sporting performance remains the main priority. He acknowledges that the stat sheet is often highlighted by media and fans, but his focus is to stay in F1 for a few more seasons and to continue delivering at the top level. The numbers reflect a deep commitment to the sport, he explains, and the ability to compete at a high standard over time depends on sustained performance. The assertion is clear: without strong results, the objective of extending his racing journey would be unattainable.
Last Sunday at Zandvoort, Alonso celebrated finishing ten races in points from the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Còrt, marking a notable moment of consistency after a difficult start to the season. He admits that the path has not been flawless but believes the team is moving in the right direction. Barcelona demanded an engine change that left him starting from the back of the grid, followed by a difficult weekend in Austria where the car would not start in time for the sprint, meaning another back-of-the-pack start on Sunday. Despite these setbacks, he maintains that progress is possible with continued improvements, and he expects the team to keep scoring in upcoming races as the season evolves, contributing to a broader shift away from rivals.
Alonso reflects on the current standings, noting that the team remains in a position similar to where they began the year. They trail the top three teams, and their natural grid position tends to be seventh or eighth. He highlights the frequent need for support from the cars ahead, with penalties sometimes altering starting positions. He recalls a race in Spa where they started third but faced penalties, and anticipates that more adjustments may be needed in Monza. The Spaniard stresses the importance of not getting carried away by a podium finish, focusing instead on steady performance and continued improvement across events.
The two-time Spanish champion hints at a future shift with his move next year to Aston Martin, citing the project’s ambition as a central reason for the change. He expresses confidence and affection for the new team, describing the transition as a strategic step toward a fresh challenge and ongoing growth in his career. He also notes that the decision was influenced by a desire for a broader, more ambitious platform than his current arrangement, aligning with the idea of embracing new opportunities while staying competitive at the highest level.
penalties and race-day expectations at Monza
The Italian Grand Prix weekend opens with a notable development as several drivers face penalties for power unit changes, which will affect their starting grids on Sunday. Among them is the reigning champion and World Championship leader, Max Verstappen, who will begin the race from sixth place after an internal combustion engine replacement on the Red Bull RB18. The decision to switch the engine was made as a precaution following the introduction of a completely new unit in Belgium, with Monza offering ample overtaking opportunities and Verstappen proven capable of recovering from difficult starts in past races.
Verstappen is not alone in the penalty mix. Carlos Sainz will incur a gearbox change penalty, Sergio Perez will take a ten-place setback, and Lewis Hamilton along with Valtteri Bottas will start further back on the grid after new power units are introduced. The request to install a fourth power unit on Hamilton’s car signals the ongoing push to maintain competitiveness despite wear and tear across the season. The penalties add an extra layer of strategy for teams and drivers as they prepare for a race known for its high-speed straights and challenging corners where overtaking opportunities can still be maximized with smart planning.
As the weekend progresses, teams will refine setups and race plans to optimize performance on the Monza track, which is famed for speed and overtaking potential. Verstappen’s situation, given his recent form and experience, remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike, as he aims to convert a difficult qualifying into a strong results scenario on race day. The broader penalties amplify the intrigue around the starting order, with the field reshaped by engine and gearbox changes and the consequent shifts in strategic balance across the grid. Cited sources indicate that the adjustments are being monitored closely by teams as they aim to extract maximum value from the Italian circuit.