Webber thinks Alonso may not be as fast as before
Apr.27 - Fernando Alonso may no longer be as "fast" and "brave" as he was at the beginning of his Formula 1 career.
That is the view of the Spaniard's contemporary and friend Mark Webber, who told Marca sports newspaper that even Alonso was "worried" about returning to F1 at the age of 39.
"I'm a super fan of Fernando and he knows it," said the Australian.
"But he was worried because he knew that it would not be easy for him. When your name is Alonso, Schumacher, Lauda, coming back can be difficult."
While Webber thinks Alonso remains motivated, he does not think it's appropriate for Alpine, Formula 1 and the fans to wait for him to get back up to speed.
"Formula 1 does not understand patience," he said. "It's the pinnacle, so you can't just apologise and say 'I need more time'.
"That's my doubt. Can the Fernando of today beat the 25-year-old Fernando? That is the question. He is just as good, he has more experience but is he really that fast and that brave? It's a question only he can answer.
"Look at Valentino Rossi," Webber continued. "I hate to see him suffering like this but the stopwatch never lies."
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Sad but true. It is sad that Rossi is at the back these days. It is sad that Kimi and Vettel are as well. What racer has come back and neen successful? Hard not to try. Nico Rosberg retired at his peak, but what adrenalin packed thrils does he get now?
I should think his gorgeous wife and child/children keep his mind more than occupied and as for the cash, how many tens of millions does a man need ...
Simple really. It has to do with the feeling of invincibility. Every person with two brain cells becomes more cautious and less "brave" as they age. Combine that with kids who start racing at 6 yrs old an have huge developed talent a 18 yrs old, throw in that youthful invincibility, and you have a 40 yr old struggling to compete. Well, except for Kimi!!!!!
Hmm, prost was 38 when he won in 93 and mansell 39 in 92 and even Andretti was 38 in 78 so older winners arent as rare as youd imagine but perhaps these examples are ones where the driver has such a good car that they could win at 50yr old but i take your point as accurate about age relating to being less brave generally.
Tuue, but as RIR said, the youngsters weren't as experienced (or as young) as today. And physical fitness was not as big back then. James Hunt usually got up (from some young lass' bed) with a hangover, puked, got in the car and drove like a demon. :)
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