Alonso still good enough to win F1 title, says Brundle

While Alonso at 40 is now the oldest driver on the grid, Brundle thinks that the Spaniard is still in good enough shape to take on and beat much younger rivals.

And he thinks F1 is a very different environment in offering opportunity for the older generation, like Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, than it was when he was racing in the 1980's and 1990's.

"Fernando, if he was in the Mercedes, I think he's got a world championship potential," said Brundle about the current Alpine driver.

"That's how he's driving. He seems to have all the old aggression. They're in such a good shape mentally, physically, hydration, nutrition, this age barrier doesn't exist.

"The cars are not as physical with the absolute loads. With power steering and all that, they are not as physical as they used to be.

"Plus they're not all smashed up and limping like my generation, who had a few hits on the head. So they're in great nick.

"And they're experienced, especially with a massive change that we just had in the regulation. So I think Fernando is still one of the best on the grid."

Fernando Alonso, Alpine A522

Photo by: Alpine

But Alonso himself does not align with Brundle's thoughts on one key aspect, that winning the championship would only be possible in the Mercedes.

"No, I hope it's on the Alpine, so I disagree with that," he said when asked for a response to Brundle's comments.

"We think that we can have a chance maybe, with a new set of regulations that started this year. In a short/medium term programme, Alpine should be capable of fighting for the championship.

"That's why we are here and why we work so hard. There is the budget cap in place, there are other things that F1 went into. And I think there is a possibility for everyone, and that is why Alpine and Groupe Renault in general is here."