Stoffel Vandoorne explains why Fernando Alonso is ‘impressive’ at Aston Martin

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Fernando Alonso is regarded in Formula 1 as one of the best drivers that should have won more titles if he had the best car on the grid.

With only two championships to his name and 32 race wins, many believe his overall ability in the car exceeds the stats.

Having come close to titles in 2010 and 2012 at Ferrari, he was ultimately beaten by Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel. Key to their World Championship victories that year was the car designs by Adrian Newey who recently admitted that their 2009 RB5 set them on course for success.

Now Fernando Alonso gets to work alongside Newey after Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll managed to sign the latter on a multi-year contract, which is seen as a massive coup heading into a new regulation set for 2026.

Discussing why Alonso is still such a remarkable driver at 43 years old, Aston Martin reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne explained why he is ‘impressive’ to work around when speaking on the Pitlane Life Lessons podcast.

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

Stoffel Vandoorne says Fernando Alonso’s drive to succeed the best in F1

There are not many F1 drivers that tend to stick around beyond 40 years old in the modern era, mostly due to the increase physical demands it puts on them.

Alonso is still as fit and ready to go as some of the younger drivers on the grid and after achiving eight podiums in 2023, has shown there is still a drive to succeed at the top level.

“Fernando hasn’t changed much as a personality, let’s say, or as a driver. He’s still one of the best on the grid, one of the most talented ones,” said Vandoorne.

“What is impressive with Fernando is his drive, his motivation towards the sport in general, let’s say. I think he also understands the big picture within a team, what is important for him to push on and what not to push on.”

Can Fernando Alonso win titles again in F1?

The last time Alonso won a Drivers’ Championship in F1 in 2006, Andrea Kimi Antonelli was only a few months old.

It is amazing to think that he could become one of F1’s oldest winners at the age of 45 years old in 2026, which would be close to the record set by Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957 at 46 years old.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

With significant investment in their backroom staff and facilities, Newey is likely to produce a car that is capable of challenging for victories regularly in 2026 given his previous track record.

That means Alonso looks poised to add to his tally of championships, although how long he continues after a third championship will be the question on everyones mind.