Fernando Alonso's new long-term contract with Aston Martin has taken the Spaniard off the driver market. Let's take a look at who benefits and who doesn't.
Another piece of the puzzle for F1 in 2025 is in place, with Fernando Alonso signing a new contract with the Silverstone-based team that will keep him at least until 2026. But who are the winners and losers of this new development?
Winner
aston martin
Considering how dependent Aston Martin is on Fernando Alonso for points and results, which are entirely through their own fault, securing the Spaniard for another two years is a major coup.
Alonso could have been a destructive force in the team back in the day, but Alonso seems to have finally found his happy place – a team where he is the undisputed king. With no fear of being outdone by his team-mates, Alonso is free to do his best and give Aston Martin all he can to bring it on par with the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Lawrence Stroll's investment and enthusiasm appear to be undiminished and Alonso is still driving at a level that could win races and titles if Aston Martin can deliver a car up to the task. But the clock is ticking… How long can Alonso fight biology before he finally loses momentum?
Fernando Alonso
Alonso will have had a quarter of a century of F1 racing under his belt by the time his contract is signed, apart from a racing contract that will see him run for two more seasons until he turns 45.
But Alonso was very smart about his new contract. The length of the contract is yet to be determined, but it includes a clause for Alonso to move into a non-driver role at Aston Martin if he feels his time in F1 is over.
He is also preparing for the possibility of racing in other categories with Aston Martin once the race is over, explaining that he would like to try the Dakar Rally or Le Mans 24 Hours again. Now you don't have to worry about finding a drive. Considering the contract with Aston.
“I can say 100% that even if I quit F1 in the future, I will still try the Dakar. That's still in my head,” he said.
“Aston will also be competing in the Valkyrie at Le Mans next year, so who knows if that will be a project that I can help with in some way.
“I want to see Aston Martin win in any category and in any conditions, whether it's driving or driving outdoors. It helps the brand and I'm proud to be a part of it. I feel part of the Aston Martin F1 team, but at the end of the day I'm thinking about the road car and everything else, so I want what's best for the brand.”
Alonso is aware of the fact that his career as a Formula 1 driver is coming to an end and is preparing for life immediately after.
Kimi Antonelli
Fernando Alonso is one of four candidates named by Toto Wolff to fill the vacant seat alongside George Russell next season as Mercedes team principals search for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Considering this, Alonso's withdrawal from the market will increase Antonelli's chances.
Given Sainz and Red Bull are openly flirting, Antonelli could become Mercedes' top choice unless a grenade is thrown into the equation from Verstappen's camp.
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loser
Carlos Sainz
Any chance of him joining Aston Martin has all but disappeared as the Ferrari driver looks to ride the crest of a wave and find a top-level drive ahead of 2025.
Sainz could have been offered a seat at Aston Martin if Alonso chose to leave the team or F1. Unless Lawrence Stroll decides to drop his son or place him in Aston Martin's sports car program, it is highly unlikely that Aston Martin's line-up will be all Spanish.
With Sainz chasing a seat, leaving out one of the favorites would be a blow.
Hiroki Tsunoda
Although it seems unlikely that Tsunoda will be promoted to Red Bull's main team at the moment, it is still more likely that he will continue as RB.
During the winter, it was said that Tsunoda's new contract with RB was due to Honda's intervention, and given that Honda is partnered with Aston Martin from 2026, the Japanese driver will move to the Silverstone team. It is possible that he was imagining the possibility of doing so.
But that chance has now taken a serious hit, and for this move to happen in 2026, it looks like it will take the as-yet-unthinkable scenario of Lawrence Stroll making a harsh decision regarding his son.
Nico Hulkenberg/Pierre Gasly/Esteban Ocon
All three drivers will be out of contract with their current teams at the end of this season and will likely continue to drive cars that are below their capabilities.
Unless something special happens, none of these three cars are likely to be high on Red Bull or Mercedes' shopping list, but they are worthy candidates for the upper midfield position currently occupied by Aston Martin. It will be.
Since Alonso and Stroll are (presumably) confirmed until 2026, this particular path is closed to a potential grid rise for all three, weakening their position in terms of negotiations on the market. There is.
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