Alonso has spoken candidly about his future in F1, explaining what will determine his eventual decision to retire.
Fernando Alonso’s decision to sign with Aston Martin was initially seen as a potentially career-ending move. The Spaniard joined the team when they were 7th in the standings, leaving Alpine, who were running in 4th.
However, a more in-depth analysis of this decision would have yielded a more positive reaction. Although the British outfit’s position in the standings was nothing special, they finished the 2022 campaign encouragingly.
Events like COTA and Abu Dhabi demonstrated they were within striking range of Alpine and McLaren.
By the start of 2023, however, it was clear that Mike Krack’s team had unlocked something special over winter. Alonso’s decision, once heavily questioned, was soon lauded as a stroke of genius after his Bahrain podium.
Ironically, part of what motivated Alonso to join Aston Martin was contract duration. The British team was happy to offer the Double Champion a multi-year deal, something which Alpine was not.
Fernando Alonso on his future
If the Double World Champion is again at the wheel of a competitive machine, it seems feasible he will continue racing.
Age hasn’t been a limiting factor in his performance so far, although Alonso admits he will need to evaluate as the year progresses:
“Next year, I’ll see what 24 races feel like,” he told AMuS.
“If I have the feeling that I’m no longer able to perform, that I expect from myself, I will be the first to raise my hand.
“The moment has not yet come.”
It seems reasonable that such an intense schedule might impact the Spaniard. This is especially true with the inclusion of several sprint race weekends in 2024.
Regardless, he will surely approach this season with more optimism than in most years over the last decade.
The AMR23 ultimately ran out of steam, but there were still encouraging signs in Brazil, Vegas and even Abu Dhabi.
Challenging Red Bull will be a potentially unrealistic aim, but more strong results are certainly on the cards.
Time will tell if Aston Martin’s 2024 challenger learns from the mistakes of its predecessor.
