Alex Albon explains that only drivers with “generational talent” can drive in F1 at 40 years old. The 27-year-old explained what makes the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso stand-out talents.
In the driver’s press conferences before the Italian GP, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were a big talking point.
After months of speculation and uncertainty, the most successful partnership in F1 confirmed it will continue until at least the 2025 season.
Unsurprisingly, comments have been made about Lewis Hamilton’s age – given this contract keeps him on the grid until he turns 40.
Considering how rare it is (especially in the sport’s modern era) to see drivers race for so long, questions are asked about how age impacts performance.
Alex Albon offered his perspective on how some drivers can continue for so long:
“I think to be able to be in Formula 1 until you’re 40 you, realistically, have to be a generational talent to do it.
09.07.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 11, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, England, Race Day.
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“We would like to. All of us would like to be 40 and still be in Formula 1, but it doesn’t normally turn out like that.
“That’s our goal. I’m sure we all would love to keep doing what we’re doing.
“I’m sure you guys know, being on the road for so long and doing it, it takes a toll on you.
“So I’m sure that there’s a lot of fire in Lewis’s belly to do that.”
This analysis seems fair, especially given that modern technologies allow athletes to compete for longer than in previous years.
Focusing more specifically on Albon, the Williams driver has done well to find some stability in Formula 1 after a turbulent start in the category.
This weekend represents an opportunity for James Vowles’ team to be competitive again, with the FW45 showing promise across a variety of circuits.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
