Alonso not working on short project: 'Will definitely still be there in 2024'

Fernando Alonso has proven this year that it is possible to return to Formula 1 after a two-year absence. The Spaniard does not seem to have lost any of his speed or eagerness on the track, and that may keep him in Formula 1 for a long time to come.

Alonso returned to F1 this season after two seasons away from the sport. The two-time world champion had been busy with other racing classes such as IndyCar, the World Endurance Championship and the Dakar Rally, but many still feared his return. The Spaniard is getting on in years.

Return of Alonso

Before the start of the season, many experts stated that it was an unwise decision for the Spaniard. At his age he would lose his reflexes, the Alpine would have a bad car and Esteban Ocon was seen as the leader of the team. Now, however, those experts must be backtracking, especially after Alonso's amazing comeback in Baku where he overtook three cars in the final stretch, his amazing first lap in the sprint race at Silverstone where he passed six cars or the defensive work in duel with Lewis Hamilton in Hungary.

''This is not like football or cycling. Here your age doesn't influence your performance'', Marcin Budkowski revealed in a conversation with the Spanish AS. The Alpine team boss also hinted that Alonso is not working on a short-term project. ''He will definitely still be here in 2024'', the team boss concluded.