Fernando Alonso of the Aston Martin F1 Team celebrates his third-place finish on the podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 5, 2023. The Formula 1 World Championship event marked the 21st race of the season.
Mike Krack, the Principal of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team, expressed his confidence in retaining Fernando Alonso despite rumors linking him to a Mercedes drive. Alonso, along with 13 other drivers, is nearing the end of his contract by the conclusion of the 2024 season. With Lewis Hamilton’s surprising announcement that he will join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, a vacant Mercedes seat has become highly coveted among the F1 community. Given Alonso’s impressive performance, Krack believes that the strong relationship between Aston Martin and the Spanish driver will secure his signature on a new contract.
Krack acknowledged that the “silly season” of driver transfer speculation has started earlier than expected. However, he emphasized the team’s admiration for Alonso and the positive relationship they have developed. Aston Martin values Alonso as an essential member of their team, built on trust and transparency. Krack expressed his delight at the prospect of continuing with Alonso beyond 2025.
The partnership between Aston Martin and Alonso began on a positive note, with six podium finishes in the first eight races following the team’s resurgence. Although the team’s performance declined in the second half of the season, Alonso managed to secure two additional top-three finishes. The final podium placement in Sao Paulo was cause for celebration for both the driver and the team, further strengthening their bond.
Alonso affirmed his commitment to Aston Martin, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to join the organization. He expressed pride in being part of a team with a bright future, including a new factory and exciting developments. Alonso emphasized his desire to explore every possibility to continue racing for Aston Martin for many years to come.
In addition to Alonso, it is expected that Lance Stroll will also remain in Aston Martin’s long-term plans. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian driver’s contract is also set to expire at the end of the year. However, Krack is determined to retain the current driver lineup and stated that both Alonso and Stroll are integral parts of the team. Despite the ongoing driver transfer rumors, Krack expressed confidence in achieving their goal of continuing with both drivers in 2025 and beyond.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com