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Fernando Alonso desires to attend for a “few races” earlier than deciding on whether or not he’ll proceed to drive in Formulation 1 amid hyperlinks to him changing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Alonso, who completed ninth on the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, is one in all 13 drivers on the grid and not using a contract for 2025 as his Aston Martin deal expires on the finish of this 12 months.
The 42-year-old made it clear in early February that he’s one in all solely three world champions within the discipline – Hamilton and Max Verstappen being the others – when requested about the opportunity of becoming a member of Mercedes.
“To start with, I must resolve if I wish to preserve racing. I might want to resolve that in just a few races,” stated Alonso.
“I really feel nice now however it’s a demanding calendar. In 2026, there are totally different laws which might be possibly tempting or not. I’ll wait just a few races to resolve.”
Alonso has beforehand said the present variety of races on the F1 calendar is “effectively over the restrict” with a record-breaking 24 occasions scheduled for 2024.
Fernando Alonso says he wants time to resolve if he desires to proceed racing earlier than considering the open Mercedes seat
The 2-time world champion is probably the most skilled driver ever and Toto Wolff admits Mercedes’ choices are “extremely fascinating”.
“Actually robust individuals might be obtainable for 2025,” stated Wolff.
“Can we wish to depend on expertise and maybe strive one thing new? Or will we wish to deal with youth and take the chance that we now have a rookie after which have to have a look at this from a medium- to long-term efficiency perspective?”
Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli might be profitable in F1 however will wait to see if he might be Lewis Hamilton’s alternative at Mercedes in 2025
Aston Martin wish to retain Alonso and Stroll
Alonso joined Aston Martin firstly of 2023 from Alpine in a transfer that shocked many on the time because it aligned with Oscar Piastri additionally leaving the French constructor for McLaren.
The Spaniard loved his finest marketing campaign for a decade final 12 months as he took eight podiums and completed fourth within the championship.
Aston Martin staff principal Mike Krack has admitted preserving Alonso and Lance Stroll, whose contract particulars are unknown, is the goal for 2025.
Fernando Alonso hits again at George Russell throughout a dialogue on budgets!
“First place, he must resolve if he desires to proceed or not, I feel he made that very clear,” Krack advised Sky Sports activities F1.
“Then if he does, I hope we’re in pole place. We’ll attempt to preserve having him and discussions then need to occur. However to start with, he must be positive of what he desires to do.
“I feel if I provide you with a reputation, then you definately ask me for 3 others. For us, the goal is clearly to maintain the drivers we now have and hope that Fernando continues.
“It is a good level however I feel Fernando being Fernando, we all know that he’ll give every part till the final lap of his profession at any time when that may be. So we as a staff, we’ll solely achieve from that. So I’ve little doubt in any of this and relaxation assured, so long as we now have two racing drivers right here we’ll give it every part and I am positive they are going to give it every part from their facet as effectively.”
Ted Kravitz is within the paddock to overview all the most important tales from the Bahrain Grand Prix
Sky Sports activities F1’s Saudi Arabian GP schedule
Wednesday March 6
- 2.30pm: Drivers’ Press Convention
Thursday March 7
- 9.50am: F2 Follow
- 10.50am: F1 Academy Follow
- 1pm: Saudi Arabian GP Follow One (session begins at 1.30pm)
- 2.55pm: F2 Qualifying
- 4.45pm: Saudi Arabian GP Follow Two (session begins at 5pm)
- 6.15pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
- 7.15pm: The F1 Present
Friday March 8
- 11.55am: F1 Academy Race 1
- 1.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Follow Three (session begins at 1.30pm)
- 3.05pm: F2 Dash Race
- 4.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: SAUDI ARABIAN GP QUALIFYING
Saturday March 9
- 12pm: F1 Academy Race 2
- 1.20pm: F2 Function Race
- 3.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP build-up: Grand Prix Saturday
- 5pm: THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
- 7pm: Saudi Arabian GP response: Chequered flag
- 9.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP highlights
Watch the second spherical of the brand new F1 season – the Saudi Arabian GP – reside on Sky Sports activities F1 this coming week, with apply on Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the race at 5pm on Saturday. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – simply £21 a month for 12 months. No contract, cancel anytime
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