Aston Martin was a bit of a Cinderella of the 2023 season, arriving in Bahrain quietly, but immediately demonstrating its value once it took to the track. The team led by Lawrence Stroll went from the bottom of the grid to the podium in the space of a year. Giving Fernando Alonso, in his first year in Aston Martin, a car capable of annoying Red Bull, if only at the beginning of the championship. Aston's trajectory was in fact downward, and this cost them second and third place in the constructors' championship. However, Fernando Alonso, the team's key driver, began 2024 with the desire to aspire to even more ambitious goals also considering the latest transfer rumors that see him as the number 1 candidate to replace Hamilton in Mercedes in 2025. Let's see, on the eve of the weekend in Bahrain, what Alonso's feelings are in his press conference statements.
Fernando Alonso and the specter of retirement: "With the new regulations I will have to evaluate whether it is worth it"
Fernando Alonso joined Aston Martin in 2023, confirming his commitment to the team. Together, they have overcome challenges and shown remarkable development, from competing with Red Bull to battling for the podium in early events. The rise has been rapid, taking the team from 7th place in 2022 to 4th in 2023. Fernando's desire to extend his contract beyond 2024 reflects his confidence in the team's progress. The Spaniard, however, made no secret that he wanted to play the first races of the season first before deciding on his future. For which consideration, also the withdrawal.
On the other hand, Lawrence Stroll and Mike Krack aim with Aston Martin to consolidate their competitive status, also for the next few years. The announcement to use Honda engines from 2026 highlights a long-term commitment. Alonso, close to his second season with the team, still seems an integral part of the future plans, with the declared aim of maintaining competitiveness also in 2025. But everything will depend on the first races of the season that has just begun.
“I have to decide within a few races if I will continue racing, I'm excited now but I have to evaluate for the future. The calendar is demanding and with the new 2026 regulations I will have to evaluate whether to retire or continue racing. I'll know in a few races” Fernando said at a press conference in Bahrain.
Where is Aston Martin compared to the competition?
After i test in Bahrain, the team, compared to last season, is a little more aware of its strengths, e.g aims for more constant growth. "Let's wait a couple of races to understand where we will be. Bahrain has specific characteristics. We will have to do at least three more races to understand everyone's real performance. Things went as we expected for us, we think we took a step forward. And the approach is different compared to 2023, when the excellent start we had was almost a shock. We're starting from a good base and we have to see if we can keep up with the top teams, which didn't happen last year.". Fernando had also repeatedly underlined his intolerance at being able to test the car so little.
Source statements: sky sports f1
