Fernando Alonso Confirms Future With Aston Martin Team: "This Is Why I Came Back"
Fernando Alonso, the seasoned 2-time F1 champion, has confirmed his commitment to the Aston Martin F1 team, asserting that he's currently "better than ever". Following a triumphant opening with three impressive races in the 2023 season, optimism is in the air for both Alonso and the team.
Although Red Bull has been dominating so far with three consecutive wins, including two 1-2 finishes between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, Alonso remains steadfast in his belief that the gap between Red Bull and other teams isn't insurmountable.
Aston Martin's Steadfast Ascent Towards Podium Glory
Alonso dreams of challenging Max Verstappen for his 33rd race victory, but is sensible enough to admit that a championship win is not currently on the cards, with Red Bull clearly exerting better pace and a wider operating window. But thanks to a minute 1.3-second spread between the entire field, he's remaining optimistic in closing the gap between himself and the Milton Keynes outfit.
"I want to be two to three years at this level. That is the team's aim too. We are not at a stage to win a championship, but we want time to reach the target.
“That is why I came back to Formula 1 in 2021 after a couple of years out.
“I thought the new regulations coming in last season would mix it up, which they have.
“Yes, Red Bull are dominating but you don’t see big gaps – all the field is covered by 1.2/1.3 seconds – so maybe in a few years we’ll be right up there.”
New Regulations and Alonso's Triumphant Return to Formula 1
After a two-year hiatus, Alonso returned to Formula 1 in 2021 for Alpine, anticipating that the new regulations introduced last season would make level the playing field. That it did, and while the French team placed 4th in the Constructor Standings, Alonso's move to Aston Martin was one of the best career moves he's made with the Silverstone-based team now fighting in the top 3.
Signing a multi-year deal, Alonso has at least a couple of years to fulfil his targets of a third championship win. But according to the driver's former partner Andrea Schlager, this "two-year contract will most likely be the last".
Balancing Racing and Personal Life: Alonso's Future Considerations
“I will think about my future after that,” Alonso said. “I don’t imagine I will be tired of driving but the demands of travelling across such a long season can be draining.
“I may have had enough of that after 23 or 24 years doing it. But for now, with my experience, I’d like to believe I’m better than ever.”