Fernando Alonso started his 445th Formula 1 grand prix in Interlagos this year, cementing a career milestone that includes a contract extension with Aston Martin through upcoming seasons.
Formula 1 icon Jenson Button admitted he struggles to comprehend the sheer scale of Alonso’s ongoing commitment to the sport, noting the physical and mental toll that led other world champions to step away.
Alonso reached his 400th grand prix milestone at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, moving ahead of all historical rivals in longevity before extending his record further in Brazil.
The 45-year-old Spaniard secured his future in late September by signing a contract extension with the Aston Martin team, despite the squad and engine partner Honda currently facing competitive struggles on the grid.
“I don’t know how he does it. Really not!” said Jenson Button, 2009 World Champion and current Aston Martin ambassador, speaking to Formula1.com.
Button competed alongside Alonso at McLaren during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, giving the British driver a direct view of his former teammate’s relentless work ethic.
“He lives for racing and Formula 1. And when he doesn’t be in a GP racer, then he gives gas in the kart or in an ex-DTM car. He is always driving something, and that is his passion. He loves it also on unpaved tracks, and actually he is constantly driving some racer, you have to hand him that,” Button told Formula1.com.
Button explained that personal fatigue ultimately influenced his own decision to walk away from the premier class.
“For me it was great to retire from Formula 1 to do other things. "I still have other goals in life, but his commitment to motorsport is undeniable and in my opinion unprecedented," Button told Formula1.com, describing the determination of his former colleague.”
| Driver | Career Grand Prix Milestone | Key Team |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando Alonso | 445 GP appearances (reached in Brazil) | Aston Martin |
| Lewis Hamilton | 400 GP appearances (reached in Brazil) | Ferrari |
Alonso remains active across multiple motorsport disciplines whenever Formula 1 weekends conclude, maintaining a continuous testing and racing schedule.
