Fernando Alonso has dropped the curtain on retirement talks, maintaining his loyalty to Aston Martin

Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso has revealed his motivation behind a new long-term deal with Aston Martin. The deal marks what Alonso sees as his final chapter in F1, securing his place with the team until the sport undergoes a major technical overhaul in 2026. After much speculation about a switch between Red Bull and Mercedes, the Spaniard signed with the British team. .

Their upcoming partnership with engine giant Honda, a powerhouse name in F1, has placed a strong faith in Alonso. The 42-year-old is confident that Aston Martin has the ability to transform into one “very strong” Power in Formula 1. This ambition perfectly aligns with his desire to end his illustrious F1 career on a high note, surrounded by a team with championship aspirations.

Fernando Alonso ponders the implications of the new Aston Martin deal

However, the immediate focus is firmly set on the ongoing 2024 season. Aston Martin is locked in a fierce battle with Mercedes for the coveted fourth position in the constructors’ championship standings. A strong showing at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix is ​​crucial for their position. However, a recent statement from the veteran driver has raised concerns among the Silverstone-based outfit.

Fernando Alonso: “It’s probably my last contract so I had to make sure it was the right decision,” Alonso said of stepping down for Aston Martin. #ChineseGP #AstonMartinF1

— Lucho Yoma (@Luciano Yoma) April 18, 2024

According to Alonso, “It’s never an easy time when you have to make some decisions, especially now for me it’s probably my last contract, so I wanted to make sure that it was the right decision first of all to continue racing in Formula 1, and a few more years of racing from my side. Strength and motivation to carry on.”

He further added, “It was a very happy decision for me, I’m obviously very proud to represent Aston Martin for the next few years.” With a clear vision for the future and a committed partnership with Honda on the horizon, Fernando Alonso looks set to make a significant leap forward next season.

Lewis Hamilton gained attention for racing in his 40s

The sport is experiencing a paradigm shift regarding driver age restrictions. Reigning champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are defying expectations. The promise of these star drivers rewrites the F1 narrative. McLaren driver Lando Norris expressed his deep respect for Alonso’s sustained peak performance even at an advanced age.

Lewis Hamilton says he will join his old rival Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 racing “in my 40s”. Alonso’s new Aston Martin contract will keep him in F1 until at least 2026, past his 45th birthday.

Hamilton will be 40 next year when he begins his career with Ferrari,… pic.twitter.com/mtU0xSOJ9Q

— The Sporting Blog (@SportingBlog23) April 18, 2024

The 7x champion recently said, “I’m not the oldest driver here. I’m still going to be racing for quite a while so that’s good [Alonso] Fernando is still close to being one of the best drivers in our sport, so for him to continue to be here and continue the output he had shows what is possible. And the new era of athletes shows what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”

Alonso is on the verge of becoming the first driver since 1970 to compete at the highest level of racing in his mid-forties. His source of inspiration came from three-time champion Jack Braham, who won his last race at the age of 44. This change in circumstances is further supported by Hamilton’s impending contract with Ferrari, which he will begin next year at the age of 40.