The extension of Fernando Alonso for another season with Aston Martin, extendable to a second year, was welcomed as great news by everyone in Formula 1. Or rather by almost everyone. Because there is someone who disagrees. Ralf Schumacher believes Alonso should retire from Formula 1 already.
The brother of Michael Schumacher points to Alonso because he believes his attitude is blocking opportunities for young drivers. But the German is not only angry with Alonso. Ralf Schumacher also points to Lewis Hamilton and his compatriot, Nico Hülkenberg, as a problem for present-day Formula 1.
Schumacher Points to Alonso, Hamilton and Hülkenberg
That Ralf Schumacher doesn’t like Fernando Alonso has been known since 2004, and the feeling is probably mutual. But the German has just taken it a step further. Schumacher, now a Formula 1 commentator on Sky Sports, has called for Fernando Alonso to retire from Formula 1. And he is not the only driver he points to.
Schumacher asserts that “it’s wonderful for drivers to stay in the sport for so many years, but I find it unfair to the next generation. I have nothing against Fernando Alonso, but the aim of Formula 1 cannot be to keep getting older.” The German even hints that the best course would be an age limit.
In fact, Schumacher doesn’t just single out Alonso. The German recalls that “Hülkenberg is approaching 40, Hamilton is over 40 and Alonso as well. There is less and less room for the young, and we should be careful about that.” A view to which one cannot deny the courage of voicing it on German television, since Hülkenberg is the only German driver in Formula 1.
Ralf Schumacher left Formula 1 in 2007 at 32, but the reason was that no offer came after his turbulent stint with Toyota. In fact, the younger Schumacher even tried with Force India, but he was not chosen. However, his brother, Michael Schumacher, raced in Formula 1 until the age of 43.
To finish his line of thought, Schumacher asks “what would happen if Max Verstappen or Kimi Antonelli continued until 45 years of age.” Practically, Formula 2 would have to be closed, referring to the fact that both debuted before 20, just as Alonso did in his day. And in the end there is a key that escapes the German.
The drivers who can carry on beyond 40 are only super champions whose performance and marketing are above average. The vast majority have the stopwatch retire them long before, whether they like it or not.
Images | Aston Martin, Sky
