Aston Martin admit Fernando Alonso could join F1 rivals for 2025 season

15 March 2024 , 14:42

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Fernando Alonso is in the final year of his current Aston Martin contract (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Martin are keen to extend Fernando Alonso 's contract beyond the current season.

But boss Mike Krack admits the Spaniard could be tempted by an offer from a rival. The Luxembourger believes "everybody" on the grid would be interested in signing a driver of Alonso's calibre despite his relatively advanced age.

And he is most likely right. Ferrari and McLaren have secure driver line-ups for 2025 but Mercedes and Red Bull have decisions to make, and it's inconceivable that the 42-year-old won't at least briefly be considered.

Alonso has been tight-lipped about his future - he is happy where he is but could have his head turned if one of the top teams came calling. He hasn't given any indications that he is ready to retire, but also hasn't ruled it out.

And team principal Krack seems to be just as in the dark as the rest of us about what the future holds for the two-time world champion. He said: "It is no secret that he, first of all, wants to decide for himself what he wants to do.

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"We want to continue working with Fernando. The most important thing is that we give him a quick car so he believes in this project, believes in this team. Everything else, we will have to discuss over the weeks to come.

"It is clear that a driver of that calibre is attractive for everybody. That is clear. But we will try to keep him. We have seen that, last year already when he joined, it's not only what he brings in terms of driving talent and race craft - he brings this extra drive, push and motivation to everybody.

"He leads by example, from the first day, with his mood from the first moment in the morning to late at night. It is exemplary. This is something that is infecting the whole team and it is something that you want to preserve."

A potential offer from Red Bull would be difficult for Alonso, or any driver, to turn down given they have the quickest car by far. Sergio Perez is fighting for his future with the team after an underwhelming 2023 campaign but has started the new season well, with back-to-back podium finishes and strong qualifying performances.

So there is no guarantee of a vacancy at the defending champions like there is at Mercedes. Toto Wolff will not be rushed into making a decision over who will take the place of the soon-to-depart Lewis Hamilton, but Alonso is undoubtedly at the forefront of his mind - particularly as a shorter term option should he decide starlet Andrea Kimi Antonelli needs to be blooded in F1 elsewhere.

Daniel Moxon