Damon Hill, one of the former German driver’s ex team-mates, posed the question on X as to who he believed would become world champion next season.

Frentzen did not hesitate with his response, naming Fernando Alonso, who is just under two months away from beginning his 23rd season in Formula 1 and will turn 45 on July 29, already holding the record as the oldest driver on the grid.

Aston Martin effectively wrote off much of the 2025 season in order to be fully prepared for the major regulation overhaul, with the AMR26 — the first car penned by Adrian Newey — now ready for its launch on February 9.

Former McLaren engineer Mark Slade has recounted how a well-intentioned show of appreciation towards the crew working on Fernando Alonso’s car nearly backfired in dramatic fashion.

Slade explained that, ahead of a race weekend, he brought the mechanics together at the back of the garage, where Alonso personally handed each of them an envelope containing €1,000 as a thank-you for their efforts.

The situation quickly escalated once then McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan became aware of what had happened, stepping in to demand that the money be returned immediately and making it clear that anyone who failed to comply would lose their job.