Who Is The Oldest Formula 1 Driver?
Formula 1’s first event took place in Silverstone, England, in 1950. Since then, the sport has expanded to include 10 teams, each with two drivers. During the 2023 season, 41-year-old Fernando Alonso will be the oldest driver on the grid. In his third stint as a Formula 1 driver, Alonso is one of the sport’s most decorated competitors and currently holds the record for the most Formula 1 race starts in history.
While Alonso will be the season’s oldest driver in 2023, the oldest Formula 1 driver in history is Louis Chiron, who set the record at the age of 58. Read on to learn about these drivers and their career accomplishments.
Oldest Driver in 2023
When Fernando Alonso makes his debut for Aston Martin in 2023, the 41-year-old will be the circuit’s oldest driver. During three stints as a Formula 1 driver, Alonso has raced for six teams, won two World Championships, and etched his name into the history books. Alongside Lance Stroll, Alonso will look to rebound on his failure to secure a podium appearance for Alpine in 2022.
Currently, Alonso holds the record for the most Formula 1 race starts (355) and ranks sixth all-time for total race victories (32). While driving for Ferrari, Alonso won his most recent race at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2013. Although his records were eventually broken, Alonso also became the youngest competitor to start at pole position, win a race, win a World Championship and become a two-time World Champion.
After a period of dominance early in his career, Alonso will aim to recapture his prior success in 2023. With prior appearances as a driver for Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Alpine, the former World Champion will make Aston Martin his home this season. With the backing of Lawrence Stroll, the team’s billionaire Executive Chairman, Aston Martin will hope to compete with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren in 2023.
Oldest Driver of All-Time
The oldest driver to race in a Formula 1 event was Louis Chiron, who entered the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix at the age of 58. Born in Monaco, Chiron’s most famous victory came at his home Grand Prix in Monte Carlo in 1931. While driving a Bugatti Type 35, Chiron became the first Monegasque to win his home race in a stellar performance that cemented his name in Formula 1 history.
Chiron’s legacy continues to influence the world of professional driving and sports cars today. In 2016, Bugatti released their newest sports car labeled the “Bugatti Chiron.” Further, Charles Leclerc, a fellow Monegasque, paid homage to Chiron on his helmet during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. As Ferrari’s young prodigy continues to improve, Leclerc will look to match Louis Chiron’s 1931 feat and become the second Monegasque driver to win his home race.
FAQ
Who is the oldest Formula 1 driver?
At the age of 41, Fernando Alonso will be oldest driver to compete for the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship. After recently joining Aston Martin, Alonso will look to capture his first victory since 2013. Although Alonso will be the 2023 season’s oldest competitor, Louis Chiron is Formula 1’s oldest driver ever, as he entered the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix at age 58.