Fernando Alonso is poised to become a major player in the driver market. Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like Sergio Perez was the one facing a tough challenge to keep his seat, given the potential availability of other drivers at the end of the season. While renewals for Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc didn’t change the situation, Lewis Hamilton’s announcement that he will be moving to Ferrari in 2025 has shaken things up. This has created an opportunity for a highly competitive seat at Mercedes, making it more likely that other high-profile drivers will be considering a move. Alonso’s own situation is impacted by Hamilton’s decision, although he claims not to care about what Hamilton is doing. Alonso acknowledges that he is in a unique position as one of only three world champions on the grid, and he believes he is the only one available for the 2025 season. He is focused on his current season and will consider his future options later, with Aston Martin being his top priority.
Alonso’s comments about past world champions not being fully committed may hint at certain drivers who retired recently, including Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen, and Sebastian Vettel. However, his intention is not to criticize them but rather to dispel any concerns about his own age and performance. He is confident that, at 43 years old, he is still physically fit and sharp. Alonso has been training differently and has even added a nutritionist to his team to ensure he is in the best possible shape. He emphasizes that he is not interested in continuing to race just for fun; if he decides to keep driving, it will be because he can give his all to the team both on and off the track. He is preparing himself for the possibility of racing for many more years, starting with discussions with Aston Martin, as they gave him the opportunity to join the organization last year and he sees a great future with the team.
While Alonso speaks highly of Aston Martin and their prospects for the upcoming season, he is aware that a seat at one of the top three teams is a rare opportunity. He compares it to Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, knowing it was his last chance to do so. Alonso hints that he may have a few more years left in him and that his motivation and performance have exceeded expectations. He believes that with dedication, a driver can continue racing until their late 40s or even 50, but acknowledges that Formula 1 demands total dedication and sacrifices in other areas of life. Alonso has dedicated 24 years of his life to the sport and is content with that, but he is curious about other aspects of life.
In a market already buzzing with activity for the 2025 season, Alonso has made it clear that he is available and believes he can continue racing in Formula 1 for another seven years. While Aston Martin is his priority, he is not one to shy away from surprising moves, so he could still be a key figure in what promises to be an eventful driver market.
According to the Source racer.com