Aston Martin are eager to renew Fernando Alonso’s contract with the team, with negotiations set to intensify ahead of 2024. Team principal Mike Krack has no doubts about whether he wants the Spaniard to continue.
For all of Alonso’s achievements in Formula 1, one topic seems to have continually followed him in recent years – age. Since returning to the sport with Alpine two years ago, there have been questions about whether his performance will decline.
In the last three seasons, the Spaniard has silenced doubts about his abilities. After all, his consistently impressive performances in 2021 and 2022 saw Aston Martin act so swiftly last summer to offer him a contract.
Whilst Alpine was reluctant to offer Alonso a multi-year contract, there was no such hesitation at Aston Martin.
To a large degree, this confidence from the Silverstone-based team persuaded Alonso to take the risk and switch teams. Moreover, it means his future in F1 is secure for next year.
Despite this, there will inevitably be questions about retirement posed to Alonso until he eventually leaves the sport. After all, the 42-year-old is entering uncharted territory for the modern F1 era.
Few drivers – if any – have consistently reached such a high level of performance at this age. Considering this context, Aston team principal Mike Krack was asked about the prospect of extending the Spaniard’s current contract.
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23.
21.10.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Sprint Day.
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Krack’s response to this topic was very clear:
“I don’t think I have to answer that question. Absolutely, yes. We were blown away from the first day,” he told the media.
“I think we have received a remarkable team player, constructive at all times, especially when it was difficult.”
With several drivers expiring contracts in 2024, the F1 driver market could be unpredictable over the next twelve months.
However, Aston Martin seems more than satisfied with maintaining their current driver combination for the foreseeable future.
