Fernando Alonso is confident that he is a notable option for Mercedes and Red Bull ahead of the 2025 season. The Spaniard continues to keep his options open in an unpredictable driver market.
Aston Martin finished in 9th and 10th last week in Bahrain. Whilst far from a disaster, this result does little to silence the speculation surrounding Alonso’s future.
The Silverstone-based team has certainly progressed with the AMR24, but rivals have improved more rapidly.
Formula 1 is always a relative game. McLaren’s emergence, combined with the corrections made at Mercedes and Ferrari, continues to complicate things for Lawrence Stroll’s team.
Although Dan Fallows insists the AMR24 is a strong baseline for mid-season development, this message is not unique to Aston Martin.
With speculation only intensifying in F1, Fernando Alonso’s future is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
From Aston’s perspective, it is well-established that retaining the Double World Champion is the priority. However, the Spaniard is only likely to continue if the team proves competitive.
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR24.
02.03.2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Race Day.
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Speaking to the media in Jeddah, Alonso responded to whether he is on the list at Mercedes of Red Bull:
“Yes, because I don’t have a contract [for 2025] at the moment,” es.motorsport.com quotes him as saying.
“So it is better to be on that list than in other categories or retired.
“I will make a decision in the future, the next few weekends and the upcoming races.
“First, I have to talk with myself and make a decision on if I want to commit to the future.”
There are still many unknowns on the grid, and the last eighteen months have shown the unpredictable nature of Formula 1.
Making forecasts about the future is very difficult, especially since one unexpected decision – as seen with Hamilton’s Ferrari move – can create an entirely new dynamic.
That said, Fernando Alonso will want to optimise his chances of fighting at the front.
Last year was proof that Alonso is more than capable of fighting at the highest level in F1. With stable regulations in 2025, this could be his best and last chance to secure a contract with a front-winning team.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
