Fernando Alonso (45): Oldest points-scorer in 52 years – a new contract?

Did the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix decide Fernando Alonso’s future? The Spaniard, now 45, had remarked weeks ago at the Hungaroring: “I have absolutely no doubt that Adrian Newey will one day build the best Formula 1 car on the grid for Aston Martin. I also know that it’s only a matter of time before Honda sorts out its problems.”

“I feel fresh, motivated and fast. But I also need to enjoy my work, and – quite honestly – driving at Silverstone and Spa wasn’t any fun.”

“We should always be making our sport better, but for me behind the wheel – and for many spectators too – this is a Formula 1 that isn’t enjoyable. Lately, I haven’t felt the same adrenaline behind the wheel as I used to.”

Now, however, the Asturian has secured a fine ninth place at Zandvoort, and after the race the following exchange took place over the radio.

Alonso’s race engineer Chris Cronin: “Fabulous, fabulous job, mate. Ninth place. Well done.”

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Alonso: “Good points, well deserved, and a car that’s a real pleasure to drive. That’s good news for you lot too, lads.”

Adrian Newey: “Well done, Fernando, that was a magnificent performance.”

Alonso: “Yeah, absolutely. Thanks, lads, thanks to everyone at Silverstone. Stunning. And there’s more to come, I know it, thanks, thanks.”

The 32-time Grand Prix winner seems to have rediscovered his joy of driving with the improved chassis and optimised engine.

The 2005 and 2006 F1 champion says: “The latest improvements have made a real difference; we’re clear about the direction we need to take. Now it’s a case of delivering more and optimising our package. Everyone’s absolutely buzzing.”

Incidentally, with his ninth place, Alonso has become the oldest driver over 45 to score points in Formula 1 since Graham Hill in Sweden in 1974!

• The 14 oldest points-scorers in Formula 1

• Philippe Etancelin (F) in Italy in 1950: 53 years, 8 months, 6 days

• Luigi Fagioli (I) in France in 1951: 53/00/22

• Louis Chiron (MC) in Monaco in 1950: 50/09/18

• Louis Rosier (F) in Germany in 1956: 50/9/0

• Felice Bonetto (I) in Switzerland in 1953: 50/2/14

• Piero Taruffi (I) in Italy 1955: 48/10/30

• Giuseppe Farina (I) in Belgium in 1955: 48/7/6

• Chico Landi (RA) in Argentina in 1956: 48/6/8

• Yves Giraud-Cabantous (F) in Belgium in 1951: 47/8/9

• Luigi Villoresi (I) in Belgium 1956: 47/0/18

• Juan Manuel Fangkio (RA) in France 1958: 47/0/12

• Maurici Trintignant (F) in Germany 1964: 46/9/3

• Graham Hill (GB) in Sweden 1974: 45/3/25

• Fernando Alonso (E) in the Netherlands in 2026: 45/0/25