After an impressive start to the 2023 season, Aston Martin’s momentum faded due to a lack of consistent car development. Now, Alonso and the team are determined to use those lessons to ensure they remain competitive across the entire year.

With major regulation changes coming in 2026, Aston Martin sees 2025 as a crucial stepping stone. The focus is on refining the weaknesses of their previous cars, ensuring that they can challenge for podiums and race wins with greater consistency.

2024: A Season of Highs and Lows

Aston Martin made headlines at the beginning of 2023 when they emerged as Red Bull’s closest competitor in the opening rounds. However, their performance gradually dipped as the season progressed, with other teams—such as McLaren and Mercedes—out-developing them in the latter half of the year.

Heading into 2024, Aston Martin aimed to address these shortcomings, but once again, they struggled to maintain their early-season competitiveness. Alonso, who has seen it all in his two-decade-long F1 career, believes that these struggles will make the team stronger moving forward.

“Every season teaches you something, and 2024 was no different,” Alonso stated. “We learned about our limitations, and we’ve worked hard to ensure we don’t repeat the same mistakes.”

Aston Martin’s Focus for 2025

Heading into the new season, Aston Martin has placed significant emphasis on improving key aspects of the car’s development. One of the biggest issues in 2024 was a lack of adaptability—while Aston Martin started the season with a strong baseline, they struggled to bring upgrades that kept them competitive in the development war.

Technical Director Dan Fallows has acknowledged this challenge, stating that the team has refined its upgrade strategy for 2025.

“We know that continuous development is essential in modern F1,” Fallows explained. “We’ve worked on ensuring our upgrade packages are more effective and consistent throughout the season.”

One key area of focus for the AMR25 has been aerodynamic efficiency. In 2024, the team found themselves struggling at high-speed circuits where drag became a limiting factor. Aston Martin has worked extensively in the wind tunnel to improve their balance between downforce and straight-line speed, an area where Red Bull has excelled in recent years.

Alonso’s Role in Shaping the Team’s Future

At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso remains one of the most motivated and competitive drivers on the grid. His leadership and experience have been invaluable to Aston Martin as they continue to build towards becoming a championship-contending team.

With Alonso’s contract extending through 2025, there has been speculation about whether he will continue racing beyond next season, especially with Aston Martin looking to enter the new 2026 regulations with a fresh approach. However, the Spaniard has made it clear that his focus is solely on making the AMR25 a competitive package.

“Right now, my only goal is to make sure we are fighting at the front,” Alonso said. “The future will take care of itself, but I am fully committed to pushing this team forward.”

His experience and deep understanding of car development have allowed him to play a crucial role in guiding Aston Martin’s technical direction. Team Principal Mike Krack has praised Alonso’s influence, calling him an essential part of the team’s progress.

“Fernando is not just a driver—he’s an engineer, a strategist, and a leader,” Krack stated. “His feedback has been instrumental in how we have shaped the AMR25.”

Can Aston Martin Challenge the Big Three?

Despite making significant strides since their rebranding in 2021, Aston Martin is still searching for their first race win. With Red Bull’s dominance showing little signs of weakening and Mercedes and Ferrari continuing to develop strong packages, the challenge of breaking into the top tier remains daunting.

However, Alonso remains confident that Aston Martin has what it takes to be a serious contender in 2025.

“We know that Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari are tough competitors, but we believe we can be in the mix,” Alonso stated. “The goal is to be fighting for podiums regularly and, if the opportunity arises, go for a win.”

#Ferrari Warned Lewis Hamilton Will Breach His Contract https://t.co/zt9KWIT194

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Much of Aston Martin’s success will depend on how effectively they can execute their upgrade strategy throughout the season. Unlike 2024, where they fell behind in development, the team is determined to stay on top of their progress and ensure they don’t lose ground to their rivals.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

With winter testing around the corner, all eyes will be on the AMR25 and whether it can deliver on its promise. Aston Martin has invested heavily in its facilities, including the construction of a new state-of-the-art factory, which is expected to play a major role in their long-term growth.

If the team has truly learned from the challenges of 2024, then 2025 could be the season where they finally establish themselves as a top-tier force in Formula 1. And with Fernando Alonso at the helm, there’s no doubt that they will be pushing as hard as ever to achieve their ambitions.

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The seven-time world champion Hamilton startled the Formula 1 community two weeks ago by announcing his departure from Mercedes at the close of the 2024 season, citing a long-held desire to race in the iconic red of Ferrari as a “childhood dream”.

Alonso, an experienced Spanish driver and two-time world champion, who competed for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, quipped that Hamilton seemed to have altered his “childhood dream” considering his past allegiance to Mercedes.

“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?” remarked Alonso at Aston Martin’s car launch on Monday. “Or two months ago, I guess, it was a different dream.”

READ: Ferrari warned signing Lewis Hamilton is a big mistake

“I hope he enjoys the experience,” Alonso continued. “I think it’s a very special team.

But it’s more special when you win – it’s been a few years already since they’ve had a very fast car and they were contending for significant achievements.”

READ: Nico Hulkenberg breaks silence on Guenther Steiner’s exit

Alonso also discussed the possibility of replacing Hamilton at Mercedes next year, acknowledging that he is a compelling option for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Alonso, who had a tumultuous relationship with Hamilton during their time as teammates at McLaren in 2007, disclosed that he hasn’t dwelled much on Hamilton’s move as he concentrates on his second year with Aston.

Aston unveiled their 2024 car – the AMR24 – at Silverstone on Monday. Pre-season testing is set to commence on 21st February, with the inaugural race of the season taking place in Bahrain on 2nd March.

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The 39-year-old aims for an eighth drivers’ championship title, surpassing Michael Schumacher on the all-time leaderboard.

Fernando Alonso, Hamilton’s long-time rival, shared his perspective on the Brit’s move to the Italian motorsport giants.

Alonso and Hamilton had a strained relationship during their McLaren stint, with Alonso expressing skepticism towards Hamilton’s claim that joining Ferrari was a “childhood dream.”

READ: Charles Leclerc warns Lewis Hamilton as he breaks silence on Ferrari move

“[During the past few years] Ferrari had a very fast car and were fighting for big things,” he told BBC Sport.

“Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship.

“The car is there. It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no? Or two months ago I guess, because it was a different dream then.”

Hamilton’s move has sparked widespread discussion in F1 circles. Former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas conveyed his “surprise” at the decision.

“I was surprised. I never thought it would happen; I thought he would stay at Mercedes, but that’s Formula One,” Bottas said at Sauber’s 2024 car launch.

“Things happen, and I think it’s good for him because he’s obviously made the decision, and it’s a fresh, new start.”

Discussing his own future, Alonso indicated he was in a favourable position and hinted at the possibility of exploring options beyond Aston Martin.

“I am aware of my situation, which is unique,” he said.

READ: Martin Brundle makes massive claim about Charles Leclerc defeating Lewis Hamilton

“But if we cannot reach an agreement and I want to commit to racing in F1, I know I have a privileged position, I am probably attractive to other teams, the performance they saw last year, the commitment.”

Entering his 21st F1 season, Alonso, at 42, remains confident in his ability to compete as long as his motivation persists.

“Now I can think maybe I can race for a few more years. So I would say if you are motivated and want to commit, you can drive until 48 or 49 or maybe even 50,” he remarked.

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However, as the new season approaches, he seems determined to showcase his abilities for potential future endeavours beyond his current contract with Aston Martin, especially with the recent upheaval in the driver market due to Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari for 2025.

Speaking of the competitive landscape, Alonso remarked, “There are three fast world champions on the grid. I am the only one available for ’25.”

Aston Martin’s team principal, Mike Krack, has been vocal about his desire to extend Alonso’s contract, emphasizing their strong relationship and willingness to continue working together.

READ: Pierre Gasly speaks out on Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari

Despite Krack’s expressed interest, Alonso has yet to commit to an extension, stating, “I think it’s going to be a question [I will be getting] for the first few months of the year.”

This indicates his reluctance to rush into a decision amidst uncertainties about the post-2024 driver market.

Alonso underscores his dedication to competing for championships, expressing his readiness to commit fully to a project that offers such potential.

He acknowledges Aston Martin’s progress but hints at exploring other options if he perceives a better chance elsewhere, possibly with Mercedes.

The prospect of Alonso continuing in F1 beyond conventional age limits isn’t dismissed, with the seasoned driver contemplating the possibility of racing until his late forties.

However, he acknowledges the demanding nature of F1, balancing his commitment with other aspects of life.

Alonso’s future in F1 hinges on his pursuit of another championship, potentially at Mercedes if a suitable opportunity arises.

READ: Esteban Ocon speaks out on Mick Schumacher returning to Formula 1

While not the primary choice for Mercedes, Alonso remains a compelling Plan B option, particularly if their preferred candidate, Antonelli, isn’t deemed ready.

Alonso’s determination to challenge conventional assumptions about age and competitiveness reflects a broader trend in F1, where drivers are pushing boundaries and defying expectations.

Despite scepticism about his chances, Alonso remains undeterred in his quest for further success.

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suddenly finds himself with an empty seat for next year, following last Thursday’s huge announcement that Hamilton is leaving them for Ferrari at the end of 2024.

2024 will be Hamilton’s 12th and final campaign as a Silver Arrows driver, bringing a relationship which started when he was just 13 years old to an end.

The seven-time World Champion has been offered a huge deal to make a dream of his come true and race in the famous red.

READ: Felipe Massa told he has ‘personal right’ to take Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title

Whilst Hamilton’s career is now sorted until at least the end of 2026 after signing a “multi-year” contract with Ferrari, Wolff has an enormous gap to fill.

Wolff needs to sign a very special driver to replace Hamilton, given the hole the 103-time World Champion is leaving.

Mercedes do have young sensation Kimi Antonelli available for promotion in 2025, if he gets enough points on his super licence this year in what’ll be his debut Formula 2 campaign.

Antonelli is seen as the next big thing; however, Wolff will want to give the young driver time to develop.

A short-term option could be more suitable then, with Button believing that Alonso is the perfect candidate.

Button’s “man crush” is out of contract at Aston Martin when 2024 concludes, meaning he is currently available for free for 2025.

Alonso is 42 years old but he remains as determined as ever, something he proved last year where he claimed eight podiums.

The Spaniard is also on good terms with George Russell, who he’s been seen partying with before.

READ: Who will replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025?

It could be the ideal final swansong for Alonso, especially if Mercedes have a car which can compete for victories next year.

“Alongside George [Russell]? I might have a man crush on my ex-team-mate Fernando Alonso,” Button told the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel.

“I’d love to see Fernando Alonso. He is 42 now but I think but the hunger is there. If the hunger is there, the fitness is there. He drives every day. He’s driving a go-kart or some form of race kart. If it’s there, I think it’d be a cool partnership. I think they’d learn from each other pretty well and I think they’d work well together.”

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It was confirmed on Thursday evening that Hamilton will be leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, to complete a switch to Ferrari after signing a “multi-year” contract.

The seven-time World Champion will replace Carlos Sainz, who is now without a seat for next year.

Mercedes also now have work to do ahead of 2025, as they need to find a suitable candidate to replace the 103-time race winner.

READ: Felipe Massa told he has ‘personal right’ to take Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title

With there being several drivers out of contract at the conclusion of 2024, Mercedes has plenty of options in their search for a new teammate for George Russell

Carlos Sainz

The first – and perhaps most obvious – option is Sainz.

Sainz is a race winner and was the only non-Red Bull driver to be victorious in 2023, at the Singapore Grand Prix.

He is a very talented driver who was praised last year for his consistent results, something Mercedes will need in their new driver as Hamilton was very reliable.

Whilst Sainz perhaps doesn’t have the same raw pace as Hamilton or Russell, he has proven to be an excellent number two driver and could even surprise a few people without the pressure of the Tifosi.

Alex Albon

Alex Albon is another driver out of contract at the conclusion of 2024 and is on the wishlist of several teams.

Red Bull and Alpine have both been linked to the Thai driver; however, as he currently drivers for a customer Mercedes team – Williams – a move to Brackley could be on the cards.

At 27 years old, Albon is reaching the peak of his career performance-wise and has proven that he can lead a time.

He scored regular points for Williams in 2023 and was often in Q3, suggesting that in a Mercedes he could compete consistently for big points.

Fernando Alonso

If Mercedes simply want a short-term solution, then Fernando Alonso is arguably the right driver to sign.

The two-time World Champion is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of 2024, and whilst he’s reportedly keen on staying with the Silverstone-based outfit, he’d likely be foolish to turn down team principal Toto Wolff.

Moving to Mercedes could be Alonso’s final chance at fighting for wins and potentially even a championship, especially if he were to enter the new power unit regulations with them in 2026.

Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes might be on the hunt for a short-term driver so they can allow the incredibly talented Kimi Antonelli to grow up a little.

READ: FIA to continue speaking to F1 amid Andretti rejection

Antonelli is a Mercedes junior driver and is only 17 years old, he’s also the reigning FRECA Champion and is jumping up to Formula 2 this year with PREMA Racing.

He is viewed as the next big thing and the biggest talent since Max Verstappen, so there is a chance that if he performs well in his debut F2 campaign, that Mercedes take a risk and put Antonelli straight into Hamilton’s seat.

McLaren got lucky in 2007 when they put Hamilton straight into the team after winning the 2006 GP2 title, perhaps Mercedes can do the same with Antonelli.

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Alonso performed brilliantly in 2023 and was largely responsible for the British side finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, whilst he was entirely responsible for securing them eight podiums.

The two-time World Champion claimed all of Aston Martin’s podium last year and scored 132 points more than Lance Stroll.

Aston Martin signing Alonso to replace four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel is proving to be a magical decision, given how much he’s pushed the team on.

READ: Lewis Hamilton warned to stop crying ‘too much’

His contract with them does expire at the end of 2024; however, he’s already expressed how much he’d love to be offered a new deal for 2025 and beyond.

Throughout his F1 career, Alonso has been known to push a team to its limit, to get them to make as much progress as possible.

2024 is seemingly no different, as the Spaniard is already commenting on specific things he’s discovered whilst driving the AMR24 in the simulator.

One thing he’s noticed is that the “steering is quite heavy”, something which could be circuit specific or possibly an area which needs to be worked on ahead of 2024.

“The most noticeable shift, so you do [turn] six, then you upshift and then you turn right to do seven and the steering is quite heavy and it takes a little bit of time,” Alonso said in an Aston Martin YouTube video, as reported by GPFans.

Despite being 42 years old, Alonso is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

READ: Carlos Sainz handed blow as Pierre Gasly joins Audi’s wish list

In fact, for the majority of the first half of 2023, he was the only driver consistently taking the fight to Max Verstappen.

This rarely happened in the second half of last year but this was as a result of Aston Martin falling backwards due to upgrades which simply didn’t improve their package.

There is a great chance that Aston Martin will start strongly just like they did in 2023, with the key this year being to introduce upgrades which improve their performance, not make them slower.

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After finishing third and finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton in his maiden Mercedes season, Russell entered 2023 full of belief and expectation that he could replicate his 2022 magic.

Unfortunately for the ex-Williams driver, replicating his 2022 season wasn’t on the cards, as costly driver errors were made too often.

The Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year was easily the lowest point of his 2023 campaign, as he crashed out of P3 on the final lap.

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Russell clipped a wall which sent him into a barrier, in what was a mistake he’ll likely never forget.

Following on from this blunder, his performances improved, with him having ended the season better than Hamilton.

Russell ended the 2023 season with a podium at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, giving him some confidence going into the off-season.

In general, his entire personna seemed more positive after Singapore, where he was visibly deflated.

He puts this down to a “small mentality change” and how he went about his work with the Silver Arrows.

“I think a small mentality change from my side – homework with my engineers, the things I’m focusing on with the setup of the car, the things I’m not focusing on with the setup of the car, and just probably enjoying life a bit more,” Russell said, as reported by PlanetF1.

The change in mentality came after listening to Alonso on a podcast, where the Aston Martin driver admitted that he wished he enjoyed his career more when he was younger and winning his two titles.

Russell agreed with this take and admitted that he sometimes forgets that he’s “living my dream”.

“I listened to a podcast from Fernando where he said that, if he could change one thing in his career, he wished he enjoyed the moment more often when he was younger,” Russell added.

READ: Toto Wolff discusses ‘weirdo’ British Christmas trend

“I think that sort of resonated with me, because, you know, I’m living my dream here. But I’m so dedicated. I feel like a true professional, I look at every single detail, and I give it my everything.

“Sometimes you forget to enjoy it. And to enjoy the moment with the people around you, enjoy the places you’re going to, and smile – not just constantly be this 120 percent serious guy focused on every single detail.

“It doesn’t mean that I’m any less professional now. But it’s just that I’m probably enjoying my life more, my surroundings, the people who I have at home, and my living situation. I’m just in a much happier place. I’m learning new things that I never would have dreamt of doing before. So just, all in all, in a good place.”

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The 1972 and 1974 World Champion believes the Dutchman is “making the most” of having the best car on the grid, similar to what Lewis Hamilton did for so many years.

With the exception of 2016, Hamilton dominated F1 from 2014 all the way to 2020, before Verstappen defeated him controversially to the 2021 Drivers’ Championship.

Hamilton made the most of Mercedes consistently giving him the best machinery on the grid, similar to what Verstappen has done since last year.

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Whilst Verstappen was excellent in 2022, in the recently completed 2023 campaign he was sensational and seemed to break records with ease.

He won a third consecutive title by a staggering 290 points, with his record-breaking 575 points having been enough for Red Bull to win the Constructors’ Championship without Sergio Perez’s points being included.

Whilst Perez, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and Ferrari occasionally challenged the Dutchman, nobody was able to consistently take the fight to him.

Hamilton only really took the fight to Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix, although he was disqualified afterwards.

Alonso arguably took the fight to Verstappen more than anyone else in 2023, until Aston Martin’s car worsened the more upgrades the Silverstone-based side introduced.

Excluding the Singapore Grand Prix, the RB19 just worked everywhere, with Verstappen to his credit having made the most of the car’s remarkable performance.

Red Bull and Verstappen are just a “very competitive combination”, who Fittipaldi believes are “at their best”.

“He is living a top stage of his career, with a very good team and a very good car,” Fittipaldi told Mundo Deportivo.

“He’s performing like when [Lewis] Hamilton dominated with Mercedes for a few years. He is making the most of it.

READ: Toto Wolff addresses fresh Red Bull controversy

“He, as a driver, the team and the car form a very competitive combination and they are at their best.”

As good as Verstappen is, Fittipaldi still doesn’t think he’s unbeatable, with the 76-year-old being certain that Alonso would match him if in the same car.

“He’s very fast, but surely if you put Alonso in a Red Bull, he’s going to be fast just the same,” claimed Fittipaldi.

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Aston Martin entered the 2023 season having enjoyed a spectacular pre-season, where it was discovered that they were the only side capable of potentially challenging Red Bull.

Given that they were towards the bottom of the midfield in 2022, fighting for podiums from the get-go was a spectacular feeling for the Silverstone-based team.

In his first season for Aston Martin, Alonso started the campaign with six podiums in the first seven races, something which even he probably didn’t expect.

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Aston Martin were better than Mercedes and Ferrari in the first half of the campaign, before falling behind them and McLaren in the second half.

Nevertheless, Alonso salvage eight podiums and claimed fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, a feat he admits was “unthinkable” for the team in 2022.

“It has been a historical season for Aston Martin, and for myself, eight podiums, more than 200 points, nearly 300 for the team,” said Alonso, as reported by Speedcafe.com. “Twelve months ago, this was unthinkable.

“This is the best season ever for the team as well, with whatever name they had before, so an incredible year to remember.

“The expectations were low, so we have exceeded expectations this year. Maybe next year it’s the opposite, the expectations will be very high, so we have some pressure on our shoulders.”

As mentioned, Aston Martin did end up falling behind Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren in the standings, mostly because their upgrades simply didn’t work.

Oddly, the more upgrades Aston Martin introduced the slower they became, whilst Lance Stroll was also rarely able to help Alonso score big points.

2023 is still a season for the team to be massively proud of, despite dropping to fifth not feeling great.

Alonso still rates 2023 as one of the “best” season’s in his F1 career, alongside 2012 where he lost the title to Sebastian Vettel.

“This is Formula 1, not a charity event,” insisted Alonso. “We have to have the pressure to deliver.

“The fifth in the constructors’ (championship) hurts a little bit because I think we were better than that. We were hoping for better than that at the beginning of the year.

READ: Christian Horner and Toto Wolff embrace

“In the drivers’, to finish fourth is completely unexpected, completely unreal, and to fight with the guys we were fighting.

“If you are fifth in the constructors’, normally you should be ninth and 10th in the drivers’, so it’s been a dream season for many people in Aston Martin, including myself.

“For me, 2012 and this season are the best in my career, a position I couldn’t ever have imagined at the beginning of the year with the car performance we had (from last year).”

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