James Hinchcliffe says Fernando Alonso can do something that ‘literally nobody else’ in F1 can

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Fernando Alonso is still performing at the top of his game as he enters his 23rd season in Formula 1 in 2026.

Now 44 years old, many are wondering how long the Spaniard has left in the sport. Alonso has hinted at retirement at the end of the season, but that will depend on whether he has a competitive car.

Aston Martin have struggled in recent years, with Alonso and Lance Stroll lacking consistency and languishing in the midfield. It is hoped that things will change in 2026 under the new regulations.

Fernando Alonso hasn’t won a world championship in 20 years. What’s gone wrong at every team he’s driven for since Renault?

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With Adrian Newey and Honda behind the project, Lawrence Stroll’s team are being backed to challenge at the front this year. Damon Hill thinks Aston Martin could pull off a surprise, similar to what Brawn did in 2009.

Alonso will be desperate to have a race-winning car and fight for the third F1 title that has eluded him for years. He may be the oldest driver on the grid, but he still possesses qualities that no one else can match.

James Hinchcliffe says ‘literally nobody else’ can extract the most from an F1 car like Fernando Alonso

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, James Hinchcliffe says Alonso can extract the absolute most out of his car after watching his onboard cameras. He claims that no one else on the grid can match what he does.

“Go back and watch some Fernando onboard,” said Hinchcliffe. “Go back and sit with him for an entire qualifying session or for a stint in a race.

“That dude is flicking more switches and pushing more buttons and turning more knobs than anyone else out there. That guy is getting the absolute most out of that machine at all times.

“He is tuning it corner to corner in a way that literally nobody else is. It’s really crazy to watch. There are times where I see some of his onboards and I’m like: ‘Are you doing too much man?

“Are you thinking too much about this stuff and not just focusing on rolling your minimum speed and picking up the throttle a bit sooner?’ But, I don’t think he’s going to suffer in that department at all.”

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Aston Martin may have their preferred option to replace Fernando Alonso if he retires

Alonso will want to end his career on a high note. If his time in F1 does come to an end in 2026, Aston Martin will have to act fast to find a replacement.

Charles Leclerc has been linked with the Silverstone team as he expresses frustration at Ferrari. The Monegasque driver is agitated over the lack of success he has had in Maranello.

Leclerc has exit clauses in his contract, which expires in 2029. If Ferrari do not make substantial progress in 2026, then the 28-year-old could look for a way out.

Amid the rumours, Newey thinks Leclerc best suits his car, which would make him a top candidate to replace Alonso. Given the exciting project they have, it might be worth considering if Ferrari cannot deliver the goods.