F1 News: Aston Martin On Fernando Alonso For 2025 - "Will Try To Keep Him"
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has come out in the open to reveal that the team is interested in keeping Fernando Alonso for the period beyond 2024 amid rumors of him joining Mercedes.
Key Takeaways:
- Aston Martin's team principal, Mike Krack, expresses interest in retaining Fernando Alonso beyond 2024 amid speculation of Alonso potentially joining Mercedes.
- Alonso's strong performance with Aston Martin in 2023 nearly led the team to P5 in the Constructors' Standings.
- Despite being the oldest driver on the F1 grid at 42, Alonso's future beyond 2024 remains uncertain, with Krack emphasizing the team's desire to continue working with him due to his positive impact on team morale and performance.
Alonso joined Aston Martin before the 2023 season, replacing former driver Sebastian Vettel. Throughout the year, he exhibited excellent performance for the team by almost single-handedly leading it to P5 in the Constructors' Standings.
The 42-year-old, slated to be the oldest driver on the F1 grid, has proved that he still possesses the 'oomph' to fight for the title, provided he gets a capable car. However, he has not made any commitments regarding his future beyond 2024 and thus, it is uncertain whether he is contemplating retirement or utilizing the delay to leverage a favorable position in negotiations.
With his Aston Martin contract expiring at the end of this year, here's what team boss Krack had to say about the team's intention:
"It is no secret that he, first of all, wants to decide for himself what he wants to do.
"We want to continue working with Fernando.
“The most important thing is that we give him a quick car so he believes in this project, believes in this team.
“Everything else, we will have to discuss over the weeks to come.
"It is clear that a driver of that calibre is attractive for everybody. That is clear. But we will try to keep him."
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Adding further on what Alonso brought to the table last year, Krack added:
"We have seen that, last year already when he joined, it’s not only what he brings in terms of driving talent and race craft. He brings this extra drive, push and motivation to everybody.
"He leads by example, from the first day, with his mood from the first moment in the morning to late at night.
"It is exemplary. This is something that is infecting the whole team and it is something that you want to preserve."
As Lewis Hamilton switches to Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025, speculation arises over Fernando Alonso's future team selection should he opt to extend his Formula 1 career.