Fernando Alonso wishes to extend with Aston Martin, but does not exclude a departure from F1
Fernando Alonso has committed to Aston Martin in 2023. The English team has confirmed its progress since changing its name. After a very solid season from the Spanish driver and his team, Fernando Alonso asserts his intention to extend his contract with Aston Martin. However, he does not exclude the possibility of leaving Formula 1.
It is an ambitious project that Aston Martin is implementing. Since its name change in 2021, the British team has decided to aim for the top positions. Initially, this was reflected in the arrival of Sebastian Vettel in the year of the project’s launch. A driver who was nearing the end of his career and coming off a mixed stint at Ferrari, but a four-time World Champion. The two years of collaboration between the two parties allowed for the gradual development of the car. However, after two seasons, the former Red Bull driver hung up his suit in the locker room.
While Fernando Alonso was coming to the end of his contract with Alpine in late 2022, the Spaniard and Aston Martin decided to quickly plan for the future. Sebastian Vettel finished the 2022 season, and Fernando Alonso took over in 2023.
A win-win agreement
Both parties were perfectly in agreement during the negotiations. Aston Martin was looking for a replacement for its German driver, and Fernando Alonso was determined to stay in F1 at all costs. The discussions progressed quickly, and the former Alpine driver got behind the wheel of the AMR23 for the first time during the 2023 winter testing. A few weeks later, at the first Grand Prix of the season, Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso showcased all the progress they had made. The Green team even proved, during several races, that they could compete with Red Bull.
The first part of the championship allowed Aston Martin to aim for the constructor’s podium. Difficulties arose starting from the summer period. The car lacked development. Nevertheless, the team went from 7th place in the constructor’s championship, with only 55 points in 2022, to 4th place with 280 points.
The ascent has been meteoric, and the double World Champion is no stranger to it. By himself, he has accumulated 206 points. Considering the progress made between 2022 and 2023 and the early start of team development, 2024 is shaping up to be a very important year for the future of the project.
To think about one’s future in Formula 1
After returning to F1 with Alpine and experiencing two up-and-down years, Fernando Alonso has regained his form at Aston Martin. The seemingly crazy bet has paid off very well. The Spanish driver finished 4th in the last championship, achieving numerous podiums. He carried Aston Martin, even during the challenging second half of 2023. Through the progress made by the team, Alonso has expressed his desire to continue with the British team the following year, as his contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.
« If I want to continue racing, I will have to analyze the options,” declared Fernando Alonso during the inauguration of the AMR24. « But my priority will always be to sit down and discuss with Aston Martin. They gave me the opportunity last year to join them and I am very proud to be a part of it. With the new factory and everything that’s going on, there is a great future in this team. I want to explore all possibilities to race here for many years.”
Fernando Alonso will celebrate his 43rd birthday on July 29, 2024. Nevertheless, the former Ferrari driver has shown time and time again that he has the skill and desire to compete at the highest level. Therefore, he has admitted to considering a long-term commitment with Lawrence Stroll’s team. “First and foremost, I have to decide for myself if I still want to dedicate a few more years to this sport that I love,” explained the Spaniard. “I love driving. Throughout the winter, I drove different cars: a DTM car, off-road, rally, karts. I love Formula 1, but I love driving in general. So, if it’s not Formula 1, I will be happy in any other form of motorsport. Maybe I will have more time for my personal life, which is also very important at this age.”
A driver always attractive
During his speech, Fernando Alonso demonstrated his willingness to continue with Aston Martin. If negotiations do not succeed with his current team, the Spaniard has not ruled out the idea of finding a new one. He knows that he has a somewhat unique status that leaves no team indifferent. “If we fail to reach an agreement and I want to commit to racing in F1, I know that I have a privileged position,” he affirmed. “I am probably attractive to other teams with my performances from last year. There are only three world champions on the grid and only one available.”
In his reflection, the double World Champion explained that his current age was not a limit. He even admitted to having exceeded what he thought was the age limit.
A few years ago, I used to say that the limit was around 40 or 41 years old,” Fernando Alonso recounted. “Now, after seeing myself last year, motivated and performing well, I think I can continue for a few more years. This winter, I exceeded expectations in physical tests. I would say that if you are motivated and committed, you can possibly drive until 48, 49, or even 50 years old. But at the same time, you have to give up everything in life. Formula 1 requires total dedication. I have dedicated my life to this sport for 24 years, which makes me happy… And I’m fine with it. I can continue doing it for a few more years. But I don’t know if I will race until I’m 50, with such demanding schedules. Not because of my abilities, but because there are other things in life that interest me.”
Fernando Alonso is contracted with Aston Martin until the end of the 2024 season.
