Alosno Issues Not 'Attractive' Verdict On Potential Contract With Mercedes
F1Monday, 08 April 2024 at 07:37
Updated at Monday, 08 April 2024 at 07:38
Fernando Alonso shared his thoughts on future negotiations with top teams on the grid after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
Compared to his teammate Lance Stroll, Alonso was in a completely different league throughout the whole weekend at Suzuka Circuit.
First, he outqualified the Canadian by 11 positions when he scored the fifth fastest time. Second, he crossed the finish line during the race on Sunday in P6, seven positions ahead of Stroll.
Aston Martin should probably have the fourth or fifth fastest car, so to bring home a P6 was a very strong result from Alonso, and he was aware, as he suggested, that it had been one of his best weekends ever.
When about the chances of him extending the contract with his current team- Aston Martin, the double World Champion answered:
"I had a lot of fun, which is great. I had one of my best weekends ever, I think, [in terms of] driving, and I'm still 44 seconds behind the leader. It doesn't feel attractive. Let's see."
The following contract will most likely be Alonso's last in his career, so he wants to get the seat in the fastest car possible. When asked whether he would then consider Mercedes, the 42-year-old responded:
"That's a very good question, but Mercedes are behind us, so it doesn't feel that attractive [either]."
It is harsh, but Mercedes has two of the best drivers on the grid and still stands only one point ahead of Aston Martin in the Championship. The German team clearly struggles.
Alonso's response might be hinting he would primarily like to sign with Red Bull, which is currently the fastest, but he didn't comment on that. The Spaniard added concerning his performance in Japan:
"It was one of my best races, or my best weekends. It was complete, very strong, very solid."
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