SUMMARY
- Aston Martin adopts patient approach as Fernando Alonso ponders Formula 1 future.
- Team aims to complicate Alonso's decision by providing stellar car performance.
Although Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso made it obvious that he is not going to retire anytime soon, questions regarding his future in Formula 1 remain a mystery. Nonetheless, the team boss Mike Krack is taking a patient approach, respecting the veteran driver’s right to carefully consider his next move. Krack remains adamant about keeping the 2x champion on board the team.
Earlier statements painted a clear picture that Alonso will be racing beyond 2024. But a bombshell dropped at the season’s start when the Spanish driver hinted at retirement, throwing a wrench into those plans. While Krack is vocal about his desire to retain Alonso, he understands the weight of the decision and wants to make the driver feel valued.
Aston Martin aims to complicate Alonso’s F1 decision
The team is giving Alonso the space he needs to make a “difficult” choice, one that will undoubtedly impact the future of the Silverstone-based team. According to Krack, “Fernando made it clear, I think, to everybody that he needs to decide what he wants to do in the future. Then we have to see what happens over the next weeks. There are discussions, there will be further discussions.”
It had been rumored for months that Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 champion, was contemplating his future in the sport. Speculation was rife about whether the Spanish driver would retire or continue to race for another team. However, one team was not content to sit back… pic.twitter.com/nPCqybEvJt
— Autodromef1 (@Autodromef1) April 3, 2024
He went on to add, “If we provide him [with] a good car over the races to come, I think we have maybe a chance to facilitate that decision…It’s upon us to deliver the car to both drivers that allow them to do that. We want to make the decision for him as difficult as possible by giving him the best possible car.” As the 2024 season was kicking off, Alonso revealed his frustration regarding the extensive schedule stating that it might be a reason for him to retire.
Alonso’s surprise retirement talk has ignited a firestorm of speculation. However, Krack seems to dismiss the performance issue theory, suggesting the 42-year-old’s thoughts stem from personal factors rather than performance concerns. Yet, Krack acknowledges that Fernando Alonso is a name that carries immense weight. His experience and talent make him an attractive prospect for any team.
Fernando Alonso linked to top drives at Red Bull and Mercedes
Contract negotiations have taken a captivating turn with Alonso. The Aston Martin driver, nearing the end of his current contract, has fueled speculation regarding his future team by posting an Instagram story from a well-known Monaco cafe. This establishment happens to be the same location where Alonso’s manager, Flavio Briatore, was previously photographed having breakfast with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
🚨 BREAKING: According to F1 Insider, Christian Horner would like to bring Fernando Alonso to Red Bull in 2025, replacing Sergio Perez.
There have been talks between Horner & Alonso but nothing more. pic.twitter.com/8U4VUk1GW9
— Racing.News (@RacingNews__) March 25, 2024
With Lewis Hamilton’s confirmed departure to Ferrari, the Silver Arrows have a vacant seat alongside George Russell. However, Mercedes is most likely to approach Australian GP winner Carlos Sainz as well. According to reports, he is also actively pursuing a potential opportunity with Red Bull, who may have a seat available due to Sergio Perez’s expiring contract.
While Aston Martin is undoubtedly eager to retain his talent, Alonso appears to be in a strong negotiating position with several teams vying for his services. The coming weeks and months will likely witness a flurry of activity in the driver market as Alonso contemplates his next move.