Only a handful of people inside the Formula 1 paddock could have imagined the turn Aston Martin would take when Fernando Alonso joined the team. The goal was clear: craft a car capable of lifting Alonso onto podiums and challenging the very best. After the Silverstone squad announced the signing of the two‑time world champion on August 1, 2022, Alonso has spent his first year assessing the project under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership. In Brazil, the Spaniard stood in the paddock box for the eighth time this season, helping Alain Prost record a historic tally of 106 podiums. Now he takes stock of his debut year with Aston Martin and speaks with calm conviction about the path ahead. A UK edition interview finds him assuring fans that retirement is not on the horizon for him or the team.
“I would love to reach my 33rd win; that number keeps popping up on social media and I would like to grab it too. I feel fresh, I feel fast, and driving for Aston Martin is a source of real motivation. Retirement is not in my plans yet,” Fernando Alonso says.
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The season with Aston Martin and the AMR23 delivered an early surprise, especially in the first half. Alonso reflects on that period: “It was a pleasant surprise; we cannot pretend there wasn’t real potential. We welcomed new names who seemed to know their roles, and the longer view was clear. We anticipated being regular top‑10 contenders in 2023 with a podium maybe here and there.”
“The goal was to be a steady podium challenger in 2024. Yet in 2023 we fought for top spots more often than expected in the opening months, and that was a pleasant surprise. I’m happy with how it unfolded.”
Alonso also looks toward the future with Aston Martin, comfortable with the long‑term plan. He pushes back on rumors linking him to Red Bull, calling them part of a paddock game that thrives on speculation and attention. He stresses that those chatter headlines do not interest him and that he remains focused on his current team and its work.
Regarding his departure from Alpine, he notes the deep respect for Renault and the two world championships he earned there. “That chapter will always hold a special place in my heart,” he explains. A switch between teams often carries a mix of emotion and drive; he concedes that changing teams brings a little extra pressure, yet his aim remains clear: victory on the podium and strong team performance. “Aston Martin and Alpine both deserve to compete at the front, and that motivates me to push for the best results,” he adds.
In the World Championship fight, which has largely been decided in favor of Verstappen, Alonso stands out as one of the names that keeps the late-season contest engaging. Aston Martin currently sits fifth, ahead of McLaren by a modest margin. “Success came quickly, and while it happened faster than expected, it still left room for more. We have time for Lance (Stroll) to deliver strong results and chase championships in the future. If luck had swung differently at a few races, the standings could have looked different. The aim remains the same: maximize points with two drivers who can push hard,” he says.
Hamilton is an inspiration
In an interview with a British outlet, Alonso is asked about Lewis Hamilton, seven‑time world champion and former teammate at McLaren in 2007. Over the years their relationship has softened, with mutual respect and admiration evident. “We have different personalities and motivations, but Hamilton has consistently stayed focused when the car hasn’t given him a winning edge. He remains determined, even when the machinery isn’t ideal. Red Bull may dominate now, yet he keeps fighting. Watching Lewis stay motivated after so many titles inspires us all,” Fernando reflects.