Alonso feels strong and sees his older age as an advantage

Ahead of his return to Formula 1 at Alpine, Fernando Alonso had a serious cycling accident in Switzerland in February. The two-time world champion was hit by a car while cycling and broke his jaw. He will have to undergo another operation in January.

Preparation not ideal for Alonso

After a two-year absence, Alonso returned to Formula 1 this season, but his preparation was less than ideal due to the cycling accident. The Spaniard, therefore, believes he will be better prepared at the start of next season. " I'm closer than ten months ago, " Alonso said. The official website of Formula 1 When asked if he is already at the top of his game.

Alonso is therefore hoping for a good winter, but he will need another operation in January. "The plates in my face will be removed, so then I have two weeks of nothing," he said. He hopes to go into the winter tests with a good programme, both physically and with the car. "If the car is competitive, I'm sure I'll be 100 per cent," he said.

Alonso sees advantage in his age

At 40, Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid next season following the departure of Kimi Raikkonen. The Alpine driver doesn't see that as a disadvantage at all. "I feel good and honestly I think my age is an advantage," he said. Because of his age, he knows all the circuits well and has the experience, for example, to quickly get to grips with Pirelli's new 18-inch tyres that will be on the cars next season.

According to Alonso, today's Formula 1 cars are also not physically very demanding. "In 2004/2005, age might have been a limitation, but now I can do three hundred laps with these cars. Physically there is no problem." Alonso feels strong and ready for next season. Although the first race in Bahrain would be as early as next week.