Just over 2,000 days after announcing his retirement from Formula 1, Fernando Alonso signed what he described as “the longest contract I ever signed in my career” to keep him with Aston Martin until at least the 2026 season.
The most experienced F1 driver in history will remain with his team over at least the next two seasons, taking him into the next generation of technical regulations.
Alonso is not just staying in Formula 1 for fun. He is also choosing to remain with Aston Martin for a reason. That being, he feels that he is still capable of competing for that elusive third world champion well into his forties – and that Aston Martin are his best chance of doing so.
Aston Martin have invested many millions over recent years to try and build themselves up into a true championship contending team – with Alonso forming a big part of that investment. But will Alonso be able to achieve his dream of becoming a three-times world champion before his new contract ends?
Have your say in this weekend’s poll.
For
Alonso may not have won a world championship since 2006 – or a grand prix since 2013 – but even in 2024, he still demonstrates that he has the ability to race at the very top of the Formula 1 field.
In the last round last weekend in Japan, Alonso described his performance where he took fifth on the grid and finished sixth as one of the best of his unparalleled career. So there’s little doubt he has the ability to fight for wins and championships even at 42.
With Aston Martin investing in a new factory, hiring many great technical minds from other teams and improving their resources, the team are much better placed than many to become a true contender in the years to come. So if they continue that trajectory, all Alonso may need is a car that can win races and he can make the difference.
Against
As much as Alonso may have the skills to fight for a world championship if he had the car, that’s the crucial factor; if he has the car.
Aston Martin may have scored eight podiums with Alonso last year, but they didn’t win. They also don’t look any closer to doing so this season and will need to show real improvement if they are to become a threat to the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari.
Then there’s also Alonso’s age. He will exceed the age that Michael Schumacher reached during his final stint in the sport by the end of this new contract and it’s inevitable that his elite abilities will eventually begin to fade.
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