With Fernando Alonso's contract set to expire at the end of the season at Aston Martin, he is already being linked to potentially replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in a short-term deal, possibly until 2026. Exploring the Possibility of Fernando Alonso replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Mike Krack told the media that he is eager to give Alonso a multi-year deal. Alonso, expecting to stay at Aston Martin for several more seasons, claims a very unique negotiating position as he is the only driver to have a world championship after Lewis and Max.
Speaking before the launch of the team’s 2024 challenger, the AMR24, he maintained his first loyalty was to Aston Martin but acknowledged that other teams would be considering him.
“If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. I trust this project, and that will be my first priority,” he said. “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.”
With a seat available at Mercedes, Alonso would not sign a deal quickly with Aston's, as he knows he has a better chance of grabbing that seat than anyone else on the grid. With Alonso not losing his rhythm with the splendid season he had, finishing overall 4th and showing that he is still capable of fighting at the front, Mercedes would want a driver like him to keep the team disciplined and teach George Russell from his invaluable experience.
Alonso said he is aware that he's the only one available of the three world champions for the 2025 season but says it's not affecting his preparation as he is fully focused on Aston Martin to perform his best. 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 started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.”
He is also surprised by Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari but expects Lewis to fight back and maybe he'll improve there. He said, “Ferrari had a very fast car and was fighting for big things,” he said of their recent performances. “Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship. The car is there.”
“Even last year, with a very dominant Red Bull car, Ferrari was able to match the lap time and be faster than them in most of the qualifying, so the car should be fast enough.”
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