Can Hamilton beat Alonso's F1 record? 'I'll probably go longer'
F1 News
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are the two most experienced drivers in the history of Formula 1. Hamilton recently overtook Kimi Raikkonen to move into second place on the all-time list for the number of Grands Prix, while Alonso hit a major milestone in Mexico: The current Aston Martin driver competed in his 400th Grand Prix weekend. But who will finish with the most Grands Prix?
Hamilton has competed in 353 Grands Prix. He is, therefore, a fair way behind Alonso's record. Hamilton, who will turn 40 during the winter break, has a contract with Ferrari for the 2025 season. Team boss Fred Vasseur hinted earlier in the year that Hamilton has a contract that could see him race until 2027. Meanwhile, 43-year-old Alonso signed a deal which will see him stay on the F1 grid in 2025, and in 2026. Alonso will drive Adrian Newey-designed cars in 2026 when the new rules and regulations are introduced.
Will Hamilton or Alonso compete in more Grands Prix?
Hamilton's rivalry with Alonso dates all the way back to the British driver's first season in the sport. Alonso had won the previous two World Championships with Renault and moved to McLaren for 2007. Hamilton also signed with McLaren, and the two drivers were involved in a World Championship battle. This included Alonso waiting in the pits to delay Hamilton's pitstop. They tripped over each other and lost the title by one point.
It hasn't been rosy in the years since. They have often engaged in battles on the track, and a war of words has sometimes been exchanged in the media. Though the two World Champions hold a lot of respect for each other. In Mexico, many drivers, including Hamilton, spoke highly of Alonso for what he had achieved in the sport. The seven-time World Champion was asked if he could beat him.
"It depends how far he'll go. I'm probably going to be here longer than him," Hamilton told F1TV. Presuming there will be 24 Grands Prix in every season, Hamilton will need to go at least two years longer than Alonso. The Spanish driver made his F1 debut six years before Hamilton but missed the 2002, 2019 and 2020 seasons.
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