Massa remarks about Alonso's longevity in F1: 'Age is just a number'

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Felipe Massa says Alonso's age is just a number
25 June 2023 at 16:31
Last update 25 June 2023 at 19:24
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  • Vicente Soella

Felipe Massa spent the peak of his Formula 1 career at Ferrari and almost won the F1 World Championship in 2008. Massa never returned to the top five championship positions at the end of a season, and Fernando Alonso experienced a similar decline a few years later. Whereas Massa decided to retire, Alonso returned after a break and at 41, he is back towards the front of the grid. 

Longevity in the F1

In a recent interview with GPblog, Massa was asked about Fernando Alonso's longevity in the category. The Spaniard, who left Alpine for Aston Martin at the end of last season, has achieved six podiums in the eight races so far this season.

"Alonso is already a certain age, he is 42 [in July 2023], he is the most experienced Formula 1 driver in history with the most races, and age is just a number," said Massa, who was Alonso's teammate at Ferrari between 2010 and 2013. "He has been doing a great job as he has done his whole career, and having a competitive car, it shows the talent he has."

Alonso left Formula 1 after the 2018 season, 12 months after Massa's retirement. The Spanish driver also focused on different projects and aspirations, such as Le Mans and the Indy500. But Alonso made his way back to Formula 1. 

Could Massa have stayed longer?

Felipe Massa is also 42, almost the same age as Alonso. GPblog asked the Brazilian if he could also have stayed a few more years in F1, just as the Spaniard has been doing.

"I maybe could have continued racing [in F1] until now. I think it all comes from the will you have, the work you have and the result you show inside the track. That result he (Alonso) has been showing very, very well, and he can continue for some years to come," he concluded.