Alonso makes Hamilton Championship confession and Verstappen may agree

Hamilton opens up on plans to remain in F1 ahead of 2023 season

Fernando Alonso has admitted that Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships is out of reach for him despite returning to the front with Aston Martin. The Spaniard’s sentiments may be shared by Red Bull star Max Verstappen with the Dutchman needing five more titles to match the famous duo and has already talked up the prospect of retirement.

Alonso is enjoying something of an Indian summer in Formula One this season after years of fighting in the midfield. The two-time world champion’s move to Aston Martin has already been a spectacular success after claiming podiums in the first three races of the year.

Alonso’s form has led to suggestions that he could challenge for the Championship again at 41 over the coming years as he underlines his credentials with his performances. The Spaniard currently holds the record for the number of Grand Prix entries but has conceded the one record every F1 driver seeks – the number of championship wins – is ‘out of reach’ for him.

“I think if you keep racing long enough, you will start breaking records,” he told Bang & Olufsen when asked what major milestones mean to him. “What really matters is the record for most world championships. At the moment, that number of seven world titles from Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton is probably out of reach, but that should always be the ultimate goal.”

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Alonso’s sentiment may be shared by Verstappen despite the Red Bull star’s current dominance of the sport. The Dutchman is already considered by some to be one of the greatest drivers of all time and at just 25 years old he has plenty of time to add to his two titles.

However, Verstappen has already openly discussed retirement, hinting he could leave the sport in 2028 when his current contract at Red Bull expires to pursue new challenges and grab a break from the hectic schedule. He reiterated his stance during the Australian Grand Prix weekend suggesting he would not be around for long if Formula One pressed ahead with changes to the sprint race format.

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As for Alonso, the Spaniard is content just to be fighting near the front again as he sets his sights on winning another world title. The 41-year-old has suggested he will continue racing until he feels it is no longer a realistic aim.

“Always. I always believe that’s possible,” he said when asked about another championship win. “That’s why I’m still racing. The challenge is huge and of course, you have to deal with various obstacles and the teams that are now leading the sport. But I race and train every day in the firm belief that that is still a possibility.”

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