Fernando Alonso has stated that the impact of a 24-race calendar could play a key role in determining whether or not he extends his F1 career beyond the end of the upcoming 2024 season. This number is a record-breaking one for the sport and has sparked considerable debate in the paddock.
Alonso made his return to the F1 paddock in 2021 after signing for Alpine, although it wasn’t until his move to Aston Martin came to fruition that the legendary Spaniard returned to regular podium contention.
The 42-year-old finished on the podium in six of the opening eight Grands Prix of 2023, as well as a further two times in Zandvoort and Interlagos as he guided Aston Martin to a P5 finish in the Constructors’ Championship. Even more impressive was his position in the Drivers’ Championship, in which he pipped Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris to P4.
“Next year, I’ll see what 24 races feel like,” he told Auto Motor und Sport when asked about his F1 future beyond the end of the season. “If I have the feeling that I’m no longer able to perform, that I expect from myself, I will be the first to raise my hand. The moment has not yet come.”
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Alonso is far from the first driver to raise concerns over the state of the calendar. With the 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix failing to go ahead due to weather conditions, last season’s schedule matched the existing record of 22 races for the longest in F1 history, and that figure will increase by two next year should all 24 run as planned.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was also asked about changes he’d make to the calendar, responding: “Definitely fewer races. For me, we have too many. But we are not the ones who decide. Not even the FIA. But I would always advocate fewer races, more quality.”
Fatigue was a regular topic of conversation in the paddock in Abu Dhabi at the 2023 season finale with drivers and team personnel visibly exhausted following the previous week’s glamorous and exciting but taxing Las Vegas Grand Prix. Next season is projected to be even more draining on this front with a triple-header planned to round off the year.
Alonso’s career is already in its twilight years and as the physical and travel demands continue to build for F1 drivers, the Spaniard will take this into consideration when the time comes to renegotiate his Aston Martin deal.
