12 February 2024 , 12:13
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Fernando Alonso admits he is an "attractive" candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes seek a replacement for the seven-time world champion.
The Silver Arrows and the Brit will part ways after more than a decade when the 2024 season comes to an end with Hamilton heading to Ferrari. It leaves Mercedes looking for someone to step in alongside George Russell and Alonso believes he'd be more than a credible candidate.
Alonso, as well as Hamilton and Max Verstappen, is one of the few men still on the grid to have a world title to their name. He's not ruled the sport since 2006 but has continued to show his quality at Aston Martin. The Spaniard admits staying with his current employer is his main priority, but understands his value on the open market.
He said: “I am aware of my situation which is very unique. There are only three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.
"On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season. If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin.
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"I trust this project and that will be my first priority. But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams. I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let’s see what the options are.”
Fernando Alonso continued to pick up podiums throughout last season (Getty Images)Alonso is now 42 but, despite some suggesting that at his age he may now struggle to remain competitive, believes the recent years have shown how competitive he can be with a number of podium finishes last season and he may yet seek one last hurrah.
He added: “A few years ago I would say 41 or 42 is the limit, but after last year I saw I was motivated, performing well, and I was thinking I could race a few more years. Now, this winter, I have exceeded expectations in terms of the physical tests, so if I am motivated and ready to commit, I can race until 48, 49 or maybe even 50.”
Hamilton will head to Ferrari likely seeking an eighth world title, which would set him apart in the record books. The Brit has been unable to win a race since the 2021 season with Mercedes struggling to produce a race-winning package, whilst the Italian outfit have been able to challenge Red Bull.