Pedro De La Rosa raves about one F1 driver who’s so strong that he could ‘stop a train’

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Pedro De La Rosa has suggested that Aston Martin star Fernando Alonso still possesses so much strength that he could ‘stop a train’.

Fernando Alonso might be the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid this season, but that is unlikely to slow him down as he chases his 33^rd win in the sport.

Speaking in an interview with El Confidencial, De La Rosa was talking about the 42-year-old’s motivation heading into 2024.

De La Rosa raves about Alonso’s strength

Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His ability to continue to race at the very highest level and seemingly improve year on year is the reason why he’s completed more races than anyone else in the sport’s history.

To think he last won a world championship nearly 20 years ago is frightening but at Aston Martin, he appears to be at a team that are doing their best to match his ambitions.

He’s made some unwise moves in his time in F1, but ditching Alpine to race in British Racing Green looks like one of his better calls.

De La Rosa is an ambassador for the team and has praised Alonso’s strength.

He’s recently stated that no matter where he ends up at the end of his contract – which expires this year – Formula 1 needs Alonso on the grid.

With Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari on the horizon, he may even have one last opportunity to race in a top team on the grid.

Alonso continues to shine in Formula 1

Asked about the 42-year-old, De La Rosa said: “There is little I can say here because it is up to him.

“For me, the most important thing is that he wants to stay in Formula 1. I think he’s got the strength, physique and speed to stop a train.

“He can go on as long as he wants. It’s more a question of motivation, with 24 races, triple races and a month away from home. If he wants to go on, great for everyone.

“The only thing that can depend on us is to give him a competitive car. From here, it’s a personal thing.

“It’s clear that a driver like Fernando will never lack options.

“But the important thing is that he continues because it is good for Formula 1 and, also, if he continues for us, it would be a source of satisfaction because it would mean that he is extremely happy.”

Alonso’s strengths are not just physical like De La Rosa describes, but also his mental strength and resilience.

His racecraft is almost second to none as his battle to finish on the podium in Brazil with Sergio Perez demonstrated.

It will be a very strange day when Alonso is no longer in the F1 paddock.

It’s unlikely to be a scenario fans will have to deal with for some time at this rate.