Alonso targeted with teasing remark about age by rookie

16:04, 11 Aug

bySandy van Wijngaarden

Fernando Alonso is currently the oldest F1 driver on the grid. This fact gave rookie Franco Colapinto the perfect opportunity to joke about it.

In Spa-Francorchamps, Fernando Alonso, Franco Colapinto, and Nico Hulkenberg were asked about the importance of physiotherapists in Formula 1 today.

Colapinto teases Alonso about his age

In his answer to this question, Colapinto couldn't resist pointing to his oldest F1 colleague, Fernando Alonso. At 44 years old, the Spaniard is the oldest driver in the field.

“I think nowadays they are getting more and more important. We spend a lot of time with them on-track and off-track," began the Alpine driver.

“Sometimes the cars start to be a bit harsh on the body, especially when the porpoising started, and it’s good to have a good physio next to you to fix the body a little bit, especially maybe for Fernando a bit more. We recover quick,” Colapinto joked, referring to the younger generation.

Fernando Alonso in Hungary

To which Alonso in turn referred to the fact that today's F1 cars are much less physically strenuous than in the past.

“Yeah, they're important even though the cars are now very easy physically. So, it's good for the young guys that they didn't experience the full attack.

"We are, like, ten seconds slower in the race than in qualifying now, with fuel and degradation, so it’s quite easy!”, said Alonso.

Hulkenberg eyes physiotherapists importance in modern F1

“I mean, they’re one of the people you work with probably closest and spend most time with on a race weekend.

"Maybe also off-track preparing the season and in between races. So, it's usually someone important to you that supports you, keeps your body fresh, makes sure you’re in physical good shape.

"But also there for many other things mentally. They're not just support crew, your personal one. They are very important," Hulkenberg said on a more serious note.

Alonso had to rely heavily on his physiotherapist after the Belgium Grand Prix. The Spaniard picked up a back muscle injury in Spa-Francorchamps, which meant he did not compete in the first free practice in Hungary. However, the 44-year-old did participate as planned for the rest of the weekend.