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Fernando Alonso Biggest Example to Kimi Antonelli, “Don’t Rush It In”: Aston Martin Ambassador Says

Published 04/12/2024, 3:29 PM EDT

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via Reuters

Fernando Alonso will be wearing green till 2026 and this is great news for Aston Martin fans. The team is progressing and has become Mercedes’ biggest problem and the 2-time world champion is enjoying it. Maybe a little too much. The contract renewal might be a way for Alonso to beat Mercedes after years of being tormented by Lewis Hamilton’s victories.

While there were many rumors of Alonso going to Mercedes, it was always doubtful considering Kimi Antonelli is said to be the heir to the Hamilton seat. That being said, the 42-year-old decided to seal the deal with Aston Martin, sending out a message to all young drivers.

Fernando Alonso proving the world wrong

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This Formula 1 season has been quite hectic, with only 4 out of 24 races completed. This means that there are still 20 more races to go and at the at of 42, Alonso still has the stamina to keep up. In the F1: Beyond the Grid Podcast, Aston Martin Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa and Damon Hill joined Tom Clarkson to discuss the Spaniard’s contract renewal. Talking about his age, considering Alonso mentioned retirement as an option for him, Rosa commended the Spaniard’s dedication to the sport.

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Talking about the contract renewal, Rosa said, “I think the fact that a driver of 43 years old wants to commit for 2 extra with this level of commitment and with 24 races this season planned, is just a great message. Also, to the new generations, they shouldn’t rush it in because they are just living in a world where if you’re 20 years old, you’re already too late to get into Formula One.”

He explained his experiences meeting drivers, saying, “I’ve met the Formula Three drivers that say I’m too old for Formula One. I’m at already twenty years old, you know, and I’m that what are you talking about, you know, I got into Formula One with 28 and I still had a long career until 43.”

Drawing a parallel to Mercedes’ situation, Rosa explained, “So the fact that Fernando is extending his career, it just has to be the message to the young drivers that they shouldn’t be that 18 and in Formula One like Kimi Antonelli will/might be next year, you know, it is just it’s it’s a different world.” With this, the Ambassador shares his point of view on the contract renewal, and in 2024, we will see him driving alongside Lance Stroll for another 2 seasons.

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Fernando Alonso’s take on the future

Aston Martin takes good care of Alonso and Lawerence Stroll is on a mission to get him his third victory. The team is investing heavily in its infrastructure to be able push their dominance in the sport. About the growth of the team, Alonso said, “It will still take years to grow and I will do my best to bring Aston Martin to victory, but I will be happy even if they get them without me on the track, but in another role, in the future.”

via Reuters

When asked about his retirement, the Spaniard said, “I don’t know when I’ll stop yet. I have a car to drive, and if I can do it for many more years, I will, but if I have to stop before that, I will certainly remain in a different role.” With this, it’s clear that he is happy with his seat at Aston Martin and is in a symbiotic relationship with the team to win championships.

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Do you think that Aston Martin will be able to get Alonso the world champion title? Let us know what you think 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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