Fernando Alonso has to make a decision about his future. The cards are on the table, since Aston Martin has publicly acknowledged through its technical chief, Adrian Newey, that they want Alonso to stay. In fact, Newey said that the Spaniard would delay retirement if Aston Martin’s improvements worked, but Alonso is not so sure.
Alonso has responded to Newey’s words ahead of the Silverstone race. And the Spanish driver has reminded one thing: retiring from or continuing in Formula 1 will not depend solely on whether Aston Martin improves, but he must also assess whether he still enjoys racing in a Formula 1 that is becoming increasingly less attractive.
“I will make the decision during the summer break”
Adrian Newey elaborated in an interview released by Aston Martin with an unexpectedly candid tone. Newey detailed the team’s deficiencies, but he also spoke about Alonso’s future, insisting that “if the evolution we will introduce in Hungary works, Alonso will stay with us next year“. The Spaniard has had to respond.
Fernando Alonso only has two grueling races left, Silverstone and Spa, before he can start enjoying the supposed improvements that Aston Martin will bring to its car in Hungary. The problem is that those two races could be decisive in his decision, because Alonso warns: staying or leaving also depends on how much fun he has behind the wheel.
“I will make the decision during the summer break. Having a good race in Hungary and understanding the aerodynamic package would help, but it will also depend on the direction Formula 1 takes,” explained Alonso. And the Spaniard has been among the most critical of a technical regulation that is extremely electric.
And this is where the pessimism begins to creep in. Because Alonso believes that “this year Silverstone and Spa will be very different and not at all fun to drive. Based on what I’ve tested in the simulator, it’s going to be quite dull.” Indeed, in the new semi-electric Formula 1 they’ve invented, there is barely any turning, and everything depends on the battery and the straightaways.
Regarding Aston Martin, Alonso remains optimistic, predicting that “this team will be champion and win races.” In fact, about a potential continuation, Alonso even says that “there are feelings in the team that lead me to think about staying for more years“, in plural. It seems Alonso doubts more about the people running Formula 1 than about those running Aston Martin.
The Formula 1 season goes on holiday on July 26 at the Hungaroring. On returning, at the end of August, we should know Fernando Alonso’s final decision.
Images | Aston Martin, Honda
