After an impressive start to the season with the AMR23, Fernando Alonso has made clear he is open to staying in Formula 1 for several years. Mike Krack, Aston Martin team principal, sees no reason why the Spaniard cannot continue for the long term.
This is not the first time Mike Krack has outlined Aston’s commitment to Fernando Alonso, having received a series of questions on this matter after the 2026 Honda deal announcement.
It should be noted that the 41-year-old’s main reason for joining the British squad was their willingness to offer him a multi-year deal, something that was not present in negotiations with his former team – Alpine.
In any case, having performed at a consistently high level to start the year, the main question posed to the Double World Champion (one he has faced often since returning to F1) is how long this can be sustained.
Team principal Mike Krack is also often asked about the long-term prospects Alonso has at the Silverstone squad, to which he responds with his trademark calmness:
“It’s nice to hear that, that he [Alonso] has said that [he wants to continue] several years, we would be happy with that,” he told the media in Spain.
“I think the main thing, and this is one of the big qualities, is the desire to be at the front, the motivation. And I think this is fully on with Fernando.
“We don’t think so much about that, to be honest, as you guys know. We take it race by race, and we try to do well in every race.
“It’s nice to hear that [Alonso wants to continue for many years], but we didn’t think too much about it yet. Let’s make it happen.”
Any meaningful discussion about Alonso’s contract can wait until next season, closer to the conclusion of his current deal.
Although the specifics of his agreement with Aston Martin are unclear, it is known that a multi-year deal was signed – meaning that either 2-year or 3-year contracts could have been signed.
It is also plausible that a 2+1 year contract was signed, meaning that either the team or the driver have an option to extend their deal for an additional season if they are satisfied at the end of 2024.
Regardless of this, at least for the foreseeable future, Aston Martin will be focusing their resources to developing the AMR23 and rebounding from a difficult race weekend in Catalunya.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
