SUMMARY
- Fernando Alonso sees his new Aston Martin deal as the pinnacle of his F1 journey.
- Alonso prioritizes his future in F1, aiming to end his career with Aston Martin on a high.
Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso has revealed his motivations behind a new long-term contract with Aston Martin. This deal signifies what Alonso himself views as his final chapter in F1, securing his place with the team until the sport undergoes a major technical overhaul in 2026. After major speculations regarding a switch between Red Bull and Mercedes, the Spaniard signed with the British team.
Their upcoming partnership with engine giants Honda, a powerhouse name in F1, has instilled a strong belief in Alonso. The 42-year-old is convinced that Aston Martin holds the power to transform into a “very powerful” force in Formula 1. This ambition aligns perfectly with his desire to conclude his illustrious F1 career on a high note, surrounded by a team with championship aspirations.
Fernando Alonso contemplates implications of new Aston Martin contract
However, the immediate focus remains firmly set on the ongoing 2024 season. Aston Martin is locked in a fierce battle with Mercedes for the coveted fourth position in the constructors’ championship standings. A strong showing at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix is crucial for their position. However, a recent statement by the seasoned driver has raised concerns within the Silverstone-based outfit.
Fernando Alonso: “This is probably my last contract so I had to make sure it was the right decision,” Alonso said about resigning for Aston Martin. #ChineseGP #AstonMartinF1
— Lucho Yoma (@LucianoYoma) April 18, 2024
According to Alonso, “It’s never an easy time when you have to make some decisions, especially right now for me it’s probably my last contract, so I wanted to make sure that it was the right decision first of all to keep racing in Formula 1, and to have the strength and the motivation to keep racing for a few more years from my side.”
He further added, “It was a very happy decision for me, I’m obviously extremely proud to represent Aston Martin for the next few years.” With a clear vision for the future, and a promising partnership with Honda on the horizon, Fernando Alonso appears poised to make a significant leap forward in the coming seasons.
Lewis Hamilton sets sights on racing into his 40s
The sport is experiencing a paradigm shift regarding driver age limitations. Old champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are defying expectations. This commitment by these star drivers rewrites the F1 narrative. McLaren driver Lando Norris expressed his deep respect for Alonso’s sustained peak performance even at an older age.
Lewis Hamilton says he will join his old rival Fernando Alonso in racing in Formula 1 “well into my 40s”. Alonso’s new Aston Martin deal will keep him in F1 until at least 2026, past his 45th birthday.
Hamilton will be 40 next year when he starts his career with Ferrari, in… pic.twitter.com/mtU0xSOJ9Q
— The Sporting Blog (@SportingBlog23) April 18, 2024
The 7x champion recently stated, “I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around. Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible. And shows the new era of athletes, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”
Alonso is on the verge of being the first driver since the 1970s to participate at the highest level of racing when he is in his mid-forties. His source of inspiration comes from three-time champion Jack Brabham, who won his last race at the age of 44. This shift in circumstances is further supported by Hamilton’s forthcoming contract with Ferrari, which he will begin at the age of 40 next year.
