F1: Aston Martin is Alonso's 'only priority' in transfer market

Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, whose contract at Aston Martin expires at the end of the year, assured that the English team was his "one and only priority" in the transfer market, on the sidelines of the presentation of the 2024 single-seater unveiled on Monday. “I am aware of my situation which is completely unique. [...] I am probably the only world champion available for 2025,” declared the 42-year-old Spaniard, who joined the team at the start of 2023.

“I am in a comfortable position, but when I make the decision whether or not to continue racing, the first and only discussion I will have at the start will be with Aston Martin, because that will be my one and only priority,” continued the 2005-2006 champion, during a virtual press briefing Sunday evening. Like him, the majority of drivers entered this year in F1 see their contracts expire at the end of 2024.

At the beginning of February, the surprise decision of seven-time British world champion Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the year caused a storm in F1, reshuffling the cards on the transfer market. Logically questioned about possible discussions to replace Hamilton, Alonso assured that he had had no contact with the eight-time world champion among constructors.

However, explains the “Bull of Asturias”, “if we do not reach an agreement” with Aston Martin, “and I want to continue in Formula 1, I have a privileged position, I am interesting for other teams” . Last year, Alonso finished 4th in the championship, his best finish since 2013 (he finished runner-up in the world that year). The Spaniard owes this return to the forefront to the surprise performance of Aston Martin at the start of the season. The F1 championship will resume on March 2 in Bahrain after three days of testing on the Gulf island (February 21-23).