Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, part of the Aston Martin team, asserted on Monday that while he finds himself “attractive” to other Formula 1 teams, he denied any contact with Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of leaving the team for Ferrari in 2025.
With Hamilton’s departure at the end of the 2024 season, a vacancy alongside George Russell arises at Mercedes. Meanwhile, Red Bull may also be in search of a partner for Dutch driver Max Verstappen, as Sergio Pérez’s contract concludes at the end of the 2024 season.
Alonso’s two-season contract could potentially be extended to 2025, as the 42-year-old Spanish driver remains confident in competing in the premier motorsport category until he turns 50.
During the unveiling of Aston Martin’s new vehicle, the AMR24, Alonso acknowledged his unique position in the driver transfer market. “I am aware of my situation; it is quite unique. There are only three champions on the current grid, and I am the only one available in 2025, so I am in a good position,” stated the two-time world champion.
Addressing speculations about a move to Mercedes, Alonso emphasized, “There has been nothing about a possible move to Mercedes. I know the driver transfer market started earlier this year, but that will not affect my preparation for the season.”
“If I want to continue racing beyond this year, the first and only conversation at the beginning will be with Aston Martin. I trust in their project, and that will be my top priority,” affirmed the Asturian driver.
However, he added, “But if we cannot reach an agreement, I know I am attractive to other teams. I am not going to stay in Formula 1 just for fun. I am not that kind of person or that kind of driver. Let’s see what options are available.”
Reflecting on the surprising move of Hamilton to Ferrari, Alonso, who raced for Scuderia Ferrari between 2010 and 2014, commented, “It was a surprise, I won’t lie, not because of the change itself, but from the outside, it seemed like he was very linked to Mercedes, very loyal to Mercedes.”
Discussing his own aspirations, Alonso, set to become the first man to participate in 400 Grand Prix races this season, shared, “A few years ago, I would have said 41 or 42 was the limit, but after last year, I saw that I was motivated, competing well, and thought I could race for a few more years.”
“Now, this winter, I have exceeded my expectations in physical tests, so if I am motivated and ready to commit, I can race until I am 48, 49, or even 50 years old,” concluded the veteran driver.