Formula 1: Fernando Alonso decision change could pay off

Formula 1: Fernando Alonso decision change could pay off

As a lifelong Formula 1 fan with decades of watching the sport under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern for Fernando Alonso. With over two decades in F1 and a new contract extending his tenure to 2026, it seems like the end of an era is looming for this legendary driver.


Fernando Alonso has spent more than twenty years racing in Formula 1, and it appears that this tenure will reach approximately twenty-and-a-half years when his existing contract ends in the year 2026.

Although he recently agreed on a two-year contract with Aston Martin, the Spaniard might be contemplating his decision as the 2024 season approaches its end.

In 2023, Alonso’s shift from Alpine to Aston Martin caught several people off guard. Yet, he managed to achieve considerable victories, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the driver rankings, his best since 2013 when he raced for Ferrari.

However, compared to their rivals, Aston Martin’s progress has seemingly decelerated, transitioning from frequent podium achievements to sporadic point-scoring performances.

Despite a new contract, Alonso should rethink his future.

After the 2018 Formula 1 season, Alonso temporarily stepped away from racing, as he lacked the excitement of being part of a grid where Mercedes consistently won race after race. It’s worth considering if Alonso might experience that same loss of joy again, given the current status of the AMR24.

As a lifelong Formula One enthusiast and a veteran of many seasons watching the sport unfold, I must admit that it’s disheartening to see Aston Martin struggling so much this season. With my years of following the sport, I’ve grown accustomed to witnessing top-tier teams battle it out for podium finishes and championship titles. However, it seems like Aston Martin is lagging behind the leading four teams, and their performance on the track leaves much to be desired.

Given his longstanding status as the most experienced driver among all competitors, one might ponder if there’s still value in continuing to race, considering Alonso’s remarkable career accomplishments. The challenges he currently faces seem to be taking a significant toll on him, and it could soon lead him to question whether prolonging his racing career is worthwhile anymore.

While Aston Martin and Lawrence Stroll highly value the skills of the two-time world champion, it might be wise for them to think about nurturing some young talent for their future success. The Formula 2 series boasts several promising drivers, and one such contender is Jak Crawford, who currently holds fifth place in the standings. It could potentially benefit them to replace Alonso with Crawford, as he shows great potential.

Despite the recent contract Alonso has signed, it’s crucial for everyone to keep this point in mind: Formula 1 is an intensely competitive sport where many talented drivers often miss out on opportunities due to unlucky circumstances. If Alonso were to retire, it could open up a chance for Crawford and potentially secure an academy deal for Paul Aron.

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2024-08-05 13:32

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