Fernando Alonso has dismissed the idea that he is blocking pathways into Formula 1 for younger drivers because he is "still fast".
The Spaniard turns 41 later this month and has been a mainstay on the F1 grid for more than two decades. His two world titles came more than 15 years ago, in his first stint with his current team back when they were branded as Renault.
But still his passion and hunger for success remains, thanks in part to a couple of years out of the sport to recharge his batteries. Despite some reliability issues this season, he has proven his pace with some strong results in an Alpine car which looks quick this year.
Alonso clearly thinks so too, as he believes that is the reason why he is still deserving of his place in the sport ahead of promising youngsters like F2 champion and Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri. "I see that differently," he told Dutch website NOS when posed the question.
"Motorsport revolves around the stopwatch. The key question is, are you still fast enough and can you achieve it? If you are slow and perform poorly, then you block the way for up-and-coming talents. Then you have to make way. I'm still fast. It's other drivers who lock the door to fresh blood."
And the Spaniard further drilled home his point by talking about the work he is doing to help develop the next generation of racers. "I help young racing drivers and have set up karting training because I want to give something back to the sport that has given me so much," he added.
"We have brought Formula 2 driver Clément Novalak to MP. We are considering bringing more guys into F3 and F4. I will soon show my face in Westmaas. I spend a lot of time with my management helping talents get started. They can benefit from my experience and connections and I like that. My whole life revolves around motorsport. It might be the only thing I'm good at. I don't come into my own."
In the same interview, Alonso took the opportunity to express his belief that F1 is still "too boring" despite changes to cars to promote closer racing. "Unfortunately, Formula 1 is still very predictable. It's all about Red Bull and Ferrari," he asserted.
"Only Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez can win. I don't know any other sport where it goes like that. The Grands Prix have become more fun and with these cars you can fight better. Still, I think it's too boring, but it's also part of F1. There will always be teams that are faster than others."
