Fernando Alonso, from the Aston Martin F1 team, celebrated his third-place finish at the Bahrain GP alongside his team. The announcement of Alonso’s contract renewal by Aston Martin was a concise statement: “I’m here to stay!” However, shortly after, the team organized an unexpected Zoom meeting with the press, including GrandPrix247, during which the Spaniard discussed his future after renewing his contract.
“I wanted to keep racing with Aston Martin,” expressed Alonso. “I wanted to show my loyalty. We achieved impressive results in a very short period of time. It couldn’t be better. The team has exceptional partners. It felt like a natural decision to keep racing.”
Alonso joined Aston Martin for the 2023 F1 season, taking over Sebastian Vettel’s position. This season marked the second year under the current ground effect aerodynamics regulations, with Aston Martin initially having the second fastest car behind Red Bull.
During his debut season with the team, Alonso secured eight podiums. Although his performance declined throughout the season, they started the 2024 season off steadily, but not notably.
With Lewis Hamilton announcing his move to Ferrari in 2025 even before the start of the 2024 F1 season, the “Silly Season,” in which Alonso played a significant role, began earlier than usual.
While Alonso hinted at his interest in driving for Mercedes in 2025, and confirmation of Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull is still pending, the two-time F1 champion decided to stay with Aston Martin after briefly exploring other options.
“I had conversations with other people,” Alonso revealed. “It is standard procedure to listen to all proposals. I had many things to consider and several options. In the end, I felt more valued at Aston Martin. Other teams did not have a definite decision to offer,” he said.
In fact, Mercedes has not yet disclosed its plans for Hamilton’s replacement, and it is likely that Red Bull will keep Perez, especially if he maintains his current level of performance.
Alonso hinted at his intention to continue racing until he is forty, stating: “It was a significant moment to commit to a long-term project. A one-year project did not seem logical to me.”
In my initial conversation with Aston, I made it perfectly clear. Aston Martin has progressed, with the establishment of a new campus last year and the addition of a new wind tunnel. The partnership with Honda is also a significant development. Entering the sport in 2026, alongside Honda, was a top priority for me.
Partnering with Honda and Aramco, two of the most exceptional entities in the world, is a remarkable opportunity. We will have state-of-the-art facilities, including a new wind tunnel, in Silverstone. This project extends beyond 2026; it is a lifelong commitment. It is the longest-term deal I have ever signed in my career.
How long I will continue to drive is hard to predict. I am sure I will not retire in 2025 or 2026, as one of my motivations is to work with Honda. I will do my best to be competitive and achieve victories with the team. However, if there comes a time when I feel I am no longer fast or sharp in qualifying, I have an open and honest relationship with Aston, and I will step away.
However, I believe that moment is far in the future. Recently, I had my best race just five events ago. I do not anticipate any issues. Lewis Hamilton will turn 40, and I will also reach that age.
Throughout my extensive F1 career, I have participated in 382 Grand Prix races, winning two championships, 32 victories, and 22 pole positions. My most recent victory was at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix with Ferrari. (Reported by Agnes Carlier)
© 2024
The world of sports is always full of surprises and twists, and 2024 was no exception. With exciting sports events happening all over the world, fans had a lot to celebrate. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the year.
In soccer, the World Cup was the most anticipated event of the year. The best teams in the world competed in a fierce competition, with many exciting games and unforgettable moments. In the end, the Brazil team took home the trophy, showing their skill and talent on the field.
In basketball, the NBA also provided many thrills for fans. Great games, incredible plays, and intense rivalries kept fans glued to the screen. The Los Angeles Lakers won the championship, with LeBron James leading the team with his talent and leadership.
In tennis, the Grand Slams were the stage for great battles between the best players in the world. Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams once again showed why they are considered legends of the sport, winning important titles and impressing everyone with their performance.
In motorsport, Formula 1 provided a lot of excitement and adrenaline. The races were intense, with spectacular overtakes and thrilling battles for the lead. Max Verstappen won the world title, showing his skill and determination on the tracks.
In addition, other sports such as golf, table tennis, and athletics also had memorable moments throughout the year. Athletes showed their talent and dedication, providing fans with moments of pure emotion and inspiration.
With so many exciting sporting events, 2024 was an unforgettable year for sports fans. And the best part is that there is still much more to come. Here’s to more exciting and surprising moments in the world of sports!
