Amidst speculation, the Silverstone team is committed to retaining Fernando Alonso, challenging Red Bull and Mercedes F1’s potential offers.
Within the Silverstone team, everyone is rallying to retain Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin F1 beyond 2024.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that a switch to Red Bull or Mercedes F1 for the 42-year-old two-time world champion is far from guaranteed.
Alonso has even stated that the struggling Mercedes F1 is not an “attractive” option, while acknowledging that his chance of joining Red Bull is “close to zero,” though the situation remains uncertain regarding Max Verstappen due to ongoing internal turmoil.
Sergio Perez has even re-emerged as the favorite to retain his seat should things settle down.
“He is undoubtedly having his best season with us so far,” admits Dr. Helmut Marko.
“However, Yuki Tsunoda is also in contention with his current form.”
Nonetheless, this year’s transfer market is particularly complex.
“I don’t think Yuki will be promoted,” responded former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde when asked if the Japanese driver was truly an option for Red Bull.
“He’s a Honda driver, so I think he will be taken to Aston Martin. Then, Lance Stroll can go on vacation.”
Another former driver, Ralf Schumacher, agrees with this.
“He is primarily attractive for Honda, which is partnering with Aston Martin. As a Japanese driver, they will certainly have him on their radar if he continues to develop like this. I’m not sure if he’s as interesting for other teams outside of Red Bull and Honda; teams don’t know him well, but if he continues to perform like this, then yes, he can make his mark on the market.”
Dr. Helmut Marko, however, cannot help but wonder if Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz might trigger the driver signings for 2025.
“If we are to believe the paddock rumors, Audi wants a decision from Sainz very soon. Aston Martin is also exerting pressure in several directions.”
“We do not engage in these games. Red Bull will not discuss the next steps in terms of personnel until mid-season.”
But Aston Martin, the team owned by Lawrence Stroll, is more than happy with Alonso, while Lance Stroll’s seat seems secure for now.
Pedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for the Aston Martin brand and a close friend and long-time confidant of Alonso, essentially confirms this.
“The most important thing is to give Fernando reasons to stay with us.”
“We desperately want him to stay. And within the team, we are not considering a different scenario. We are working to ensure Fernando continues, and we are working as if he is going to continue.”
“There is no Plan B. Our Plan A, B, and C is Fernando. We are not looking around. The team is very happy with Fernando and Lance.”
“We have made some minor improvements at Suzuka, and we have a very interesting and ambitious development program for the upcoming races.”
“The most important weapon to convince Fernando is an increasingly competitive car.”
Silverstone Unites to Keep Alonso Beyond 2024. Silverstone Unites to Keep Alonso Beyond 2024
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