F1 News: Fernando Alonso drops cryptic hint about future after Mercedes links

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, 2023 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Alonso drops cryptic hint about future amid Mercedes links

The Spaniard has been heavily linked as Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes

Tyler Rowlinson

Wednesday 14 February 2024 12:58 Updated: 16:39

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Fernando Alonso has said that he is an ‘attractive’ option to other F1 teams if he cannot strike a new deal with Aston Martin.

It comes after the Spaniard being heavily linked with a move to Mercedes, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari in 2025.

Mercedes are said to be looking at a whole host of drivers to partner George Russell next year, with displaced Carlos Sainz being mentioned, as well as exciting young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

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Alonso is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the season and comes of the back of a brilliant first season with the Silverstone-based team, finishing fourth in the standings with eight podiums.

Fernando Alomso is out of contract at Aston martin at the end of the season

Mercedes are believed to be looking at a whole host of names to replace Lewis Hamilton

Alonso finished fourth in his first season with the Silverstone squad

Alonso addresses Mercedes links

While the 42-year-old has insisted that his current priority is Aston Martin as he looks to grab the team their first win in F1, the two-time champion has said that he is an ‘attractive’ option for other teams.

Speaking about the links to Mercedes before the launch of the AMR24, Alonso said: “On a move to Mercedes, there’s been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but it will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

“If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. I trust this project and that will be my first priority.

“But if we cannot reach an agreement, I know I’m attractive to other teams. I will not stay in F1 just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let’s see what the options are.”