Aston Martin believes “racing machine” Fernando Alonso could stay beyond his initial two-year deal.
The two-time world champion will replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel at the Silverstone-based team in 2023, after a deal was done in just a few days during and after the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
At Spa, Alonso pointed to a greater desire from Aston Martin to sign him as his main reason to join from Alpine, with team boss Mike Krack denying any special incentives were included.
“There’s been talk in the media of him being offered things like number one status and a huge salary, but I can assure you Fernando is not doing it for either the status or the paycheque,” he said.
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“Of course, the package has to be commensurate with a driver of Fernando’s calibre and experience, but the speed with which the agreement was made tells you that things like salary or the detail of the deal were not the prime motivators for Fernando.
“What convinced Fernando is the opportunity to be part of a team that’s progressing and where he can make a real impact.”
Krack also claimed the Aston Martin project is one that matches Alonso’s passion and motivation.
“Fernando is a machine – a racing machine. He’s totally focused on racing,” he continued.
“He’s determined to perform and compete at the highest level and sees Aston Martin F1 as the team that will enable him to do that.
“Fernando sees the potential of the team – the new facilities we’re building, the people we’re hiring, the investment being made, the steps forward the Aston Martin brand is taking – and he sees it as an opportunity.
“Aston Martin F1 is the best opportunity for him to achieve his ambitions.”
When the former Racing Point team was rebranded Aston Martin in 2021, they laid out a five-year plan for championship success.
And despite Alonso being the oldest driver in F1 at 41, Krack sees no reason why the Spaniard could see out that period.
“I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that there are ample years ahead together, if we can make the progress we need with the competitiveness of the car,” he said.
“We always say 40 is the new 30, so from that point of view, he’s quite a young driver.
“We have no such concerns. He’s still demonstrating today that he’s still super-fast and we do not expect any drop-off at all.
“We underperformed as a team last season and this season; we know we must deliver a frontrunning car.”