Former Formula 1 driver, Nelson Piquet Jr., stated that Lewis Hamilton no longer shows the same motivation as Fernando Alonso, despite the Spaniard being older.
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The comparison draws attention because it involves two historic F1 names who are still active in the category. Hamilton turned 41 in January, while Alonso is approaching 45, but according to Nelsinho Piquet, the level of motivation between the two is different.
In an interview with Soy Motor, the Brazilian praised Alonso’s speed and determination, highlighting that the Spanish driver maintains the same competitive mentality from decades ago. For him, the Aston Martin driver continues to demonstrate a rare motivation among drivers with such long careers.
“Fernando is very fast, always very hungry. He has the same motivation and the same desire he had twenty years ago. This is something very admirable,” said Nelsinho, highlighting the competitive longevity of the two-time Formula 1 champion.
Subsequently, the Brazilian made a direct comparison with Hamilton, suggesting that the seven-time world champion no longer shows the same intensity. According to him, the contrast is even more evident due to Alonso being older.
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“You don’t see the same thing with Lewis, for example. Lewis doesn’t have the love, passion, and hunger that Fernando still has, and Fernando is older. He is five or six years older than my generation and Lewis’s generation, and he has more passion than many other drivers. This is very respectable,” Piquet Jr. concluded.
Hamilton and Alonso are considered two of the great veterans on the current Formula 1 grid. Both continue to compete at a high level and remain benchmarks within the category, even after careers spanning over two decades.
The comparison made by Nelsinho Piquet reinforces the debate about longevity and motivation among experienced drivers. For the Brazilian, the passion demonstrated by Alonso continues to be a determining factor for his competitiveness, even as he ages.
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