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Former F1 driver Pedro De La Rosa has admitted that Formula 1 needs Fernando Alonso to extend his current contract beyond 2024.
The legendary Spanish driver will enter his 21st season of F1 with Aston Martin in 2024.
Speaking to El Debate, Pedro De La Rosa suggested that the opening races of the season are going to be vital in deciding whether the 42-year-old decides he’s ready to sign another deal.
De La Rosa thinks F1 needs Alonso to sign new deal beyond 2024
After such a positive 2023, all eyes will be on whether Aston Martin can carry that momentum into this year.
Fernando Alonso made the bold call to switch Alpine for the British team last year and would never have expected to come away from the campaign with eight podium finishes.
He couldn’t quite add a 33rd victory to his collection, but that’s because Red Bull had the most dominant campaign in Formula 1 history.
Alonso has now entered the final year of his Aston Martin contract and De La Rosa is hopeful that he’ll continue beyond 2024.
With Lewis Hamilton heading to Ferrari, a spot at Mercedes has opened up and Alonso is on their potential list of replacements.
He can afford to be patient as many teams would love to have Alonso on board and that could delay their decision on who to sign for 2025 if he’s still an option on the table.
Aston Martin will feel they’re in pole position to keep him, but they need to deliver a car this year that lives up to his expectations.
Next few months key to Alonso’s racing future
Speaking about the racing veteran, De La Rosa said: “Fernando will decide when the time comes if he wants to continue. I hope he wants to continue in F1, if it’s two years that’s better than one.
“F1 needs him. It’s a big thing for him to say that out of loyalty he’s going to wait for Aston Martin.
“The important thing is for the team to focus and give Stroll and Alonso a good car. The first half of the season is very important.”
De La Rosa in his role as an ambassador for Aston Martin will hope Alonso decides to continue with the team beyond 2024.
He’s made plenty of moves around the paddock during his career and many of them haven’t paid off.
Aston Martin have offered him a solid platform but he’ll want to be in a race-winning car before he retires.
Mercedes could end up offering him that opportunity but whatever happens, he’ll unlikely to be short of offers should he want to continue in F1.
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