F1 news articles have delved into Fernando Alonso’s Brazil heroics, but the Spaniard has addressed another narrative surrounding his future.
Alonso secured his eighth podium of 2023 in Brazil in what was arguably a season-best performance. Aside from his excellent pace in the AMR23, the Spaniard produced another masterclass in defensive driving and racecraft.
Evidently, it is hugely significant that Alonso crossed the line 0.052 ahead of Perez. Symbolically, the Silverstone-based team required a boost after a difficult second half of the season.
The British outfit arrived at Interlagos with a new floor and diffuser configuration. After a handful of “experimental” weekends featuring different set-ups and upgrades, it is imperative Aston Martin can establish a reliable baseline for 2024.
Although Brazil was a huge step forward, their poor form in previous rounds generated speculation. Specifically, question marks surrounded Alonso’s long-term commitment to the team.
Of course, the rumours suggesting Alonso would retire were always without foundation. The Spaniard has consistently supported shown belief in the Aston Martin project.
Suggestions of a move to Red Bull were similarly frustrating for the 42-year-old. This is understandable, given that purely speculative suggestions were questioning his loyalty to the team. His gratitude to the team cannot be overstated, given they provided an alternative to the unfavourable terms being offered by Alpine.
For all their struggles, this year has still been a widely successful campaign for Aston Martin.
That aside, the two-time World Champion is enthusiastic about racing in F1 for the foreseeable future.
“I would love to make that 33rd [win] happen,” he told GQ.
“There’s been a lot of talk about it on social media. 33 is a number I see everywhere, and I would love to have it.
“I feel fresh, I feel fast, and I’m enjoying the journey with Aston Martin.
“I feel motivated. It’s not time to retire yet.”
For Alonso, batting away retirement rumours is now a common practice. Since returning to the sport in 2021, there have always been sporadic suggestions that the next season could be his last in F1.
However, the 42-year-old continues to execute at an exceptional level for Aston Martin. Excluding the unlikely scenario where he experiences a massive drop-off in the next two years, Alonso can still compete for the foreseeable future.
If Aston Martin can produce a top-5 or top-4 car next season, that should be sufficient to motivate the Spaniard to invest further in the project.
