With Ferrari and McLaren securing critical contract extensions, Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso will soon become key talking points. Out of the remaining front-runners on expiring contracts, this is the deal with the clearest path forward.
Although some might contest Aston Martin’s status as a top team, last season was undoubtedly transformational. Based on the statistics (including the Double World Champion’s eight podiums), they were undoubtedly contenders at the front.
Of course, a deeper analysis exposes the more significant concerns surrounding the British outfit. Primarily, their mid-season decline is seen as a reason for scepticism for 2024.
A sharp drop-off in performance and unpredictable experimentation makes assessing their position difficult. This is true regarding Abu Dhabi last season and – in a few weeks – where they will be in Bahrain.
Ultimately, they are not the safest bet of last year’s top five. Still, their development over last season’s winter break means they at least shouldn’t be written off.
Aston looks to extend Alonso contract
This is where Alonso’s future in the sport becomes entangled. Since returning to F1 in 2021, the 42-year-old is hungrier than ever to perform and compete.
Not only are his overall abilities intact, but he remains capable of producing moments of brilliance – as seen in Brazil and Zandvoort last campaign.
Having secured about three-quarters of Aston Martin’s points over the last twelve months, Alonso’s contributions are undoubtedly crucial. If the team is to compete with the established front-runners, they will need a driver of his calibre.
Until his on-track performances indicate otherwise, the Spaniard seems more than capable of sustaining his level in 2024 and 2025.
With his future already guaranteed for the next twelve months, the question becomes about 2024. The priority for Mike Krack’s team is to secure his services for at least another season, and preferably early on.
Aston Martin’s makeup after 2026 is slightly more unclear, but their short-term driver pairing is likely to be unchanged.
At the Silverstone-based team, the priority will be to produce a machine capable of fighting for wins and podiums. Not only is this a logical goal in its own right, but it will also be key in securing the future of their star driver.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
