Only the stopwatch matters – Alonso not worried by his age ahead of F1 return
Fernando Alonso insists the stopwatch is the only thing that matters and has no concerns over his age as he prepares to return to Formula One with Renault.
The two-time world champion's signing was confirmed by the team on Wednesday, with reports suggesting he has joined on an initial two-year deal.
That means Alonso, who turns 39 this month, will be 41 during the 2022 season, the first year F1 brings in new regulations the Spaniard hopes will produce a more level playing field.
Alonso is in his second year away from the grid and his last championship came in 2006, but he feels as fit and ready as he ever has before.
"The stopwatch is the only thing that matters, not the age," he told reporters.
"I never had a classification on the race based on the passport, my date of birth. It's always on the stopwatch.
"I feel ready and I feel I'm at 100 per cent in terms of driving. I did a couple of fitness tests 15 days ago and I had the best results in my career.
"I am extremely motivated, happy and stronger than ever."
We are back. #f1 pic.twitter.com/oK6bfbG5WB
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) July 8, 2020
F1's new regulations were initially scheduled to come in for 2021 but have been pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Probably my first intention was to go out in 2018 and see how life was outside the bubble and have a think for the 2021 rules," Alonso said.
"This has been postponed one year because of covid but still it's worth being in the sport in 2021 as a preparation for me after two years not driving these cars, to build up with the team and have a good season.
"I know only one team will be winning in 2020 - and in 2021 probably - but I think the 2022 rules will hopefully bring some fairness to the sport.
"[Hopefully] some close action with teams more level and less scope to invent something that has a large performance advantage.
"There is time to build on those projects. I am relaxed, I am aware of what 2021 will be and I'm hopeful for 2022."
Alonso is ready to be a team player to help Renault, who were fifth in the constructors' championship last season, return to the top of the sport.
He added: "I will try to do my best and try and help the team be a world champion team.
"If that's with me driving then fantastic but if that's with a future younger driver then I will feel proud anyway. The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I.
"Whatever the 2022 rules bring, I can hopefully help them with my experience. I'm aware of my mission, which is not only focused on the car but also outside the car.
"It's an extremely happy day for me coming back to F1 first but also to the team with which I had the best experience in the category."