'A league of his own' – Alonso's fellow drivers pay tribute to the Spanish superstar ahead of his 400th Grand Prix appearance

Formula 1 drivers have heaped praise on Fernando Alonso as the veteran Spaniard prepares to make his 400th Grand Prix appearance at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

The two-times World Champion will become the first driver in Formula 1 history to reach the landmark when he takes to the track at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Alonso made his debut as a teenager in 2001 and has already pledged his immediate future to current employers Aston Martin through at least 2026.

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Alonso himself was absent from Thursday’s media proceedings due to feeling unwell but his contemporaries were in awe of his longevity and commitment to the championship.

Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen labelled the achievement as “a crazy number – I never thought anyone would go to 400. Back in the day, you know, when you hit 100 or 150 that was already a really good achievement in your career. To hit 400 is crazy. You can see Fernando loves racing and he loves to be in Formula 1. That’s a crazy number.”

Williams’ Alex Albon described Alonso as “in a league of his own” and suggested “he’ll go up to 500 maybe!”

He added: “It’s impressive, I’m always amazed and admire his hunger to be in a sport for so long and to be so hungry to do it so well, in the Sprint and Grand Prix [in Austin] he’s still feisty, it’s very impressive.”

Alonso’s compatriot Carlos Sainz wished him a “happy birthday – if you can call it like that,” before pondering that “400 races is a lot of races!”

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“It makes me think that I’ve done 200, to put another 200 on top is a lot. I just wish him to enjoy this race and especially to keep going because he’s still in a very good shape and still driving at a very good level.”

Lance Stroll has been Alonso’s team mate at Aston Martin since the Spaniard joined the outfit at the start of 2023.

“Respect,” said Stroll. “It’s a lot of racing, and he’s still extremely hungry and competitive and fast – that’s what it comes down to. Chapeau!”

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Esteban Ocon is another driver who spent time as Alonso’s team mate, having shared the Alpine garage with the Spaniard across 2021 and 2022.

“An incredible career,” he said. “You know, that’s the thing that stands out. To be still hungry, to have this determination, pushing to get the results every single time after 400 races – and that many titles that he’s won, in any categories pretty much that he’s done – a super impressive career. I hope that one day I can have even half of the career that he’s had. Well done to him and clearly he’s one of the best of all time.”

Mercedes driver George Russell labelled Alonso as a “real inspiration, because he’s gone on for so long, he’s been performing at the highest level for all of these years and that gives me the motivation and inspiration that I can achieve the same.

“So, I’ve spoken a bit about it with him, you know, ‘what’s the secret?’ He takes incredible care of himself so it’s definitely impressive.”

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Lewis Hamilton, second in the all-time list on 351 Grands Prix, cheekily suggested he could eventually take the mantle off Alonso, with whom he was team mates as a rookie in 2007.

“Depends how far he’ll go – I’m probably going to be here longer than him,” quipped Hamilton.