Across the motorsport world, chatter swelled after two notable retirements connected to Austin and Mexico City, with whispers about Fernando Alonso stepping into a Red Bull seat in 2024. The topic sparked heated discussion among fans and media alike, quickly turning into a viral narrative that stretched across Spanish outlets and beyond. By the time the Sao Paulo weekend arrived, Alonso himself faced questions about the rumors at Interlagos, keeping a firm lid on the topic.
Present at the Brazil Grand Prix, Alonso addressed the growing speculation during a Thursday press briefing. He made it clear that the chatter remained just that—gossip. He stressed that the remarks from outsiders were not a serious matter and that the sport thrives on curiosity, but he was not participating in the game. The possibility of joining forces with Max Verstappen or any other shift in scenery was dismissed as idle talk, not something he intended to pursue.
As the media pressed further, the two-time champion spoke about the impact of rumors on the paddock and on professional journalists who have earned their place in the sport. He appreciated the respect that comes with experience, while noting that speculation from outsiders can feel intrusive. The driver emphasized that it is not entertaining when rumors intrude on the actual work taking place in the team environment.
fond memories
Regarding his thoughts on the Sao Paulo circuit, Alonso recalled fond experiences from Brazil and memories of title battles past. He described the track as a thrilling test with a mix of demanding corners and unpredictable weather, adding that weekends in Brazil have long been among the most memorable on the calendar. The sense of history and competitive energy around the venue stood out as a highlight for him every time he visits.
On the performance side, Alonso reflected on Aston Martin’s current trajectory. He acknowledged that the team had not reached its desired level of competitiveness late in the season and that the goal remained to reclaim peak form. A strong weekend in Brazil could place the team in the top five, a target he believed was within reach given the pace shown in recent races. He noted that past events in Qatar had produced solid results, with fourth and sixth places achieved in challenging conditions, though he also faced his share of issues and needed a solid qualifying performance to maximize the race.
Looking beyond individual races, Alonso highlighted the broader evolution of the team. He observed clear changes: the squad had grown from a small crew to a substantial operation, with a modern factory and new facilities driving readiness for the next phase. He acknowledged the commitment of the personnel involved and the ambitious momentum that has fueled a season filled with strong results. While expressing satisfaction with key moments, he also cautioned against overstatement, recognizing that the season had delivered a remarkable level of performance that exceeded early expectations. Through honesty about the challenges and pride in the achievements, he framed the campaign as a stepping stone toward an even brighter future for the squad.