Fernando Alonso is not desperate for a third world championship, but it would send the message that discipline matters and not age.

Double Formula 1 world champion, Alonso has won consecutive seasons with Renault in 2005 and 2006.

But although he has come close several times since – missing the 2007 title by one point, four points in 2010 and three in 2012 – the Spaniard has not been able to add to his record.

A tense period with an uncompetitive McLaren team ended in 2018, when Alonso walked away from Formula 1 for a hiatus that ultimately lasted two seasons.

He returns in 2021 with Alpine, the new incarnation of his former Renault team, with the aim of preparing to fight for the title in 2022.

Now 40, he believes winning a third world championship would send an important message to the next generation of runners: this age neither defines nor limits success, and the sport is more of a ‘way of life’.

“It would mean a lot, for sure,” Alonso said of the prospect of a third title, during his appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast.

“But I don’t know, it’s not that I despair of getting it and that it would change my whole career or my way of seeing the sport.

“I’m a competitive person in everything I do so I’m really looking forward to winning a third championship and will be doing what’s in my hands and more in the next few years.

“It might mean a lot in terms of a legacy after my Formula 1 career ended, of how to always push the limits, to always try to find excellence in the things you do, to have very high discipline in the way you shop, in your approach to racing.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re 19, whether you’re 42 or 43, it’s a way of life and a total dedication to the sport.

“It’s probably the most important thing if I win a third championship, that kind of legacy and message for future generations.”

But if Alpine comes up with a solid package for 2022, will Alonso continue the short-term success and then stop it or stay longer?

Turns out that doesn’t really matter, because he’s keen to be two or three more years old, at least in Formula 1, anyway.

“Yes I will,” he replied when asked if he would be in F1 beyond 2022 if the car is good.

“And even though the car isn’t that good. My plan is to stay at least two or three more years.