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Aston Martin Concerned About Fernando Alonso’s Retirement Amid Rumors of Switch to Mercedes

Published 02/26/2024, 9:38 AM EST

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via Reuters

The silly season for 2025 has begun with the first transfer being the biggest one in Formula One so far. Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes after over a decade to join Scuderia Ferrari. With that comes the question, who will take Lewis Hamilton’s seat?

Early speculations were that Fernando Alonso would be the driver to fill in the seat. But recent updates have surfaced that don’t answer the first question but bring up more of them along the way. As Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin will end in 2024, his plans for the future remain. And the bigger question stands: will the Spaniard continue driving in Formula 1 after this season?

Ex-teammate discusses Fernando Alonso’s retirement plans

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Pedro de la Rosa is a retired F1 driver who used to drive alongside Alonso in 2006. The Aston Martin brand ambassador recently sat down with AS magazine and discussed what he thinks of the team heading into the 2024 season. The Interviewer asked Rosa about the seat in Mercedes, and if he thinks Alonso would make a move. To this the 53-year-old said, “No, no. I think the question is not whether Fernando is going to go to another team, I think the question is whether Fernando is going to continue in F1.”

via Reuters

After leaving the world in shock with his answer, he continued, “That’s the most important thing, that Fernando stays, and that’s a decision that neither Aston Martin nor any team can control, it’s a personal, private matter, his.” The two-time world champion joined Aston Martin Racing after leaving Alpine for 2023. In his new team, the driver stood 4th in the Constructors Cup proving to the world that he still has it in him.

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Rosa further explained, “But I really like what he said, that when he makes the decision the first team he is going to consider for loyalty is Aston Martin. Those statements make him even bigger.” It’s amazing to see Fernando Alonso still fighting for the World Champion as the grid’s oldest driver. It’s been nearly 2 decades since he won his first World Championship and he has made a commitment to Aston Martin Racing that he would like to win the title again with this team.

The moment Fernando Alonso impressed Pedro de la Rosa

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Pedro de la Rosa has been an iconic figure in F1. The Aston Martin brand ambassador has driven alongside Fernando Alonso in the past and that’s when he realized that there was something different about 42-year-olds. The revelation occurred during the Spanish Grand Prix in 2001, Alonso’s debut season in Formula 1. Pedro de la Rosa was racing for Jaguar, while Alonso was with Minardi, a less competitive team.

Despite facing significant challenges with an uncompetitive car lacking grip, Alonso showcased remarkable skill during the race. De la Rosa noted Alonso’s ability to push the car to its limits, handling it on the edge through corners. He was particularly impressed by Alonso’s balance and control, describing his driving style as “on an absolute knife edge.” This demonstration of skill amidst adversity left a lasting impression on de la Rosa.

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Knowing that de la Rosa has always kept an eye on his fellow Spaniard, he has brought to attention that Alonso might consider his retirement now. But still, the chance of taking Lewis Hamilton‘s seat is a tempting deal that might make him reconsider his retirement. That being said, do you think this is Fernando Alonso’s last season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Viren Mirpuri

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Viren Mirpuri is an F1 Writer at EssentiallySports. With a Degree in Mass Media and a Specialization in Journalism, Viren is known for his speedy race day coverage outside of discussing the engine technicalities. Whether he's dissecting the latest technical innovations or unraveling the drama on and off the track, he ensures that his readers stay engaged and informed.
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Edited by:

Akash Pandhare