Why Fernando Alonso still has what it takes to be F1 champion

Why Fernando Alonso still has what it takes to be F1 champion

Author: Motor Sport April 30, 2026 Duration: 36:47

How old is too old for an F1 driver? Fernando Alonso says he’s ready to race on into his late forties and Mark Hughes says he still has the talent, the adaptability and the burning desire to fight for a world championship — in fact, in some areas, he's better than any other driver.


Plus: F1 is back on track this weekend - will we see a new frontrunner after a month of frantic factory work?


More from Mark Hughes and Bryn Lucas on the stories that really matter, in the latest episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show.


Subscribe now for every weekly episode and tell us what you want to know from Mark. Send us a message on social media or find this podcast at https://go.motorsportmagazine.com/48zc2cS and drop your questions in the comments. He'll answer a selection of the best every week.


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Each week, the Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes cuts through the noise of the Formula 1 paddock. Hosted by Bryn Lucas and featuring the unparalleled insight of grand prix editor Mark Hughes, this podcast offers a clear-eyed analysis of what truly defines the sport’s relentless narrative. The conversation moves beyond mere headlines and podium finishes to examine the technical innovations, strategic gambles, and human stories that decide races. Regular guests join the discussion, providing depth to the latest events and previewing the critical topics on the horizon. It’s a dialogue for those who appreciate that F1 is as much about engineering genius and political maneuvering as it is about pure speed. This Motor Sport production delivers authoritative context, whether breaking down a controversial ruling, a rival team’s sudden performance leap, or the long-term implications of a new regulation. For listeners seeking a sophisticated and nuanced take, this show serves as an essential weekly debrief. The feed also features other series from Motor Sport, with contributions from iconic figures in the racing world, making it a comprehensive hub for motorsport audio. Tune in for a consistently detailed and engaging perspective on the world’s fastest competition.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Podcast Episodes
Sandbagging? Why Mercedes might be hiding its advantage in F1 testing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:58
Which teams are sandbagging in F1 testing? Plus: Why drivers are going 20 mph slower than they need to in some corners; is F1 losing its way by trying to pelase the car manufacturers? And your questions answered.More fro…
The 'catastrophic' F1 engine verdict Mercedes fears in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:31
The latest on Mercedes' engine controversy. Plus: Audi's impressive sidepods; why drivers are having to rewire their brains; Jenson Button's new diplomatic role at Aston Martin; and more of your questions answered, inclu…
AI strategies: F1's newest battleground? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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F1 testing surprise: why F1 drivers love new 2026 cars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The surprise verdict from the first days of 2026 Formula 1 testing; the mood at McLaren; how good really is Mercedes' power unit; and what next for Lewis Hamilton?In the very first episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show, Mar…
Emerson Fittipaldi: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In a little over an hour, two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi looks back on a glittering motor sport career: from his first trip to England and his F1 deal with Colin Chapman, to contending against the next gen…
Sir Jackie Stewart: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Sir Jackie Stewart joins Rob Widdows in the latest episode of our centenary series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport through the eyes of some of its greatest characters,In the space of an hour, the three-time F1 Worl…
Derek Bell: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:49
Five-time Le Mans champion and three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona Derek Bell joins Rob Widdows for the latest in our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine.Bell, who earned a repu…
Dario Franchitti: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:34
Dario Franchitti is the latest to make an appearance on our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine.The Scot is one of Britain's most successful IndyCar drivers, claiming three Indianapolis…
Damon Hill: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:05
Damon Hill is Rob Widdows' latest guest in our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport Magazine.The 1996 Formula 1 World Champion reflects on following his father's footsteps into the world of Grand…
John Watson: Centenary Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:17
A five-time grand prix winner who partnered the likes of Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, John Watson came achingly close to winning the 1982 Formula 1 World Championship.He's Rob Widdows' latest guest in a special podcast se…