Fernando Alonso stated he’s “attractive” to different Formula One groups however denied any contact with Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton introduced he was quitting to drive for Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton’s departure on the finish of this season will create a emptiness alongside George Russell, whereas Max Verstappen’s Red Bull group are additionally resulting from have a seat accessible, with Sergio Perez’s contract expiring on the finish of the season. The 42-year-old’s two-season take care of Aston Martin is up for renewal in 2025, however the Spaniard believes he’s able to competing in F1 till he’s 50.

Speaking forward of Monday’s launch of the group’s AMR24 automobile, Alonso, who received back-to-back world championships with Renault in 2004 and 2005, stated: “I am aware of my situation, which is very unique.

“There are solely three world champions on the grid and I’m the one one accessible for 2025, so I’m in a very good place.

“On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

“If I wish to preserve racing past this yr, the primary and solely discuss firstly will probably be Aston Martin. I belief this undertaking and that will probably be my first precedence.

“But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams. I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let’s see what the options are.”

Commenting on Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, Alonso, who drove for the Italian group between 2010 and 2014, added: “It was a surprise, I will not lie, not because of the change itself but from the outside it seemed like he was very linked to Mercedes and very loyal to Mercedes.

“Ferrari is a particular group however it’s extra particular whenever you win. Maybe Lewis can carry that further battle for the championship as a result of the automobile is there.”

Alonso finished fourth in last year’s drivers’ championship as Aston Martin shot up the grid from also-rans to frontrunners.

The Spaniard will this season become the first man to take part in 400 Grands Prix and the evergreen driver raised the prospect of competing deep into his forties.

“A couple of years in the past I might say 41 or 42 is the restrict, however after final yr I noticed I used to be motivated, performing properly, and I used to be pondering I may race a couple of extra years,” he said.

“Now, this winter, I’ve exceeded expectations by way of the bodily assessments, so if I’m motivated and able to commit, I can race till 48, 49 or perhaps even 50.”

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