Amidst the swirling transfer rumors, Fernando Alonso commits to Aston Martin’s ambitious future, sidelining the speculation of a Red Bull Racing switch.
At Suzuka, Fernando Alonso reiterated that he appears to be heading towards a new deal to remain with Aston Martin F1 beyond 2024, rather than transferring to Red Bull Racing.
Recently, the Spaniard has been riding a wave of renewed form, to the extent that he is linked with moves to Mercedes F1 or even Red Bull.
Max Verstappen has not dismissed Alonso’s arrival at Red Bull Racing, but he would find it odd given his age.
However, Alonso acknowledged in Suzuka that he thought his best chance of ending up at Red Bull next year – namely that Max Verstappen would leave – was indeed “close to zero.”
And, he knows, he is not at the top of Toto Wolff’s list, as the latter targets Max Verstappen first and Carlos Sainz next.
Alonso now seems increasingly convinced that Aston Martin can offer him great opportunities.
“There is no other team in the pit lane that has projects as ambitious as ours. Today, the team has twice as many people as it did at the beginning.”
“Since last summer, we have been working in our new state-of-the-art factory. The wind tunnel and simulator will be ready by the end of the year.”
“We are now in the middle of the development race, where last year, we barely participated. These are all good signs and an important step towards becoming a winning team.”
“And that’s why, I say it again, I will speak to Aston Martin first if I decide to continue.”
Regardless, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said in Japan that he was “100%” sure that Verstappen would stay in 2025 and beyond.
“We are absolutely calm and confident that Max will stay with us.”
As for Sergio Perez’s seat, it’s even more open, but the signs are good: “He started the season well. He did a superb qualifying here.”
“His contract expires at the end of the year, and it’s up to him to keep or lose his seat.”
Horner, however, refused to comment in depth on his ongoing negotiations with Alonso, to replace Verstappen or Perez?
“Everyone is talking to everyone at the moment. Lewis’s departure to Ferrari has set all teams on fire. There are opportunities everywhere except at Ferrari for 2025. The situation is necessarily very open. It’s interesting!”
Alonso Rejects Red Bull Speculation, Commits to Aston Martin’s Vision. Alonso Rejects Red Bull Speculation, Commits to Aston Martin’s Vision
- ReadMore>Stella Highlights McLaren’s Progress Against Red Bull
- Following us on Facebook and Twitter
