P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed Fernando Alonso turned down interest from Mercedes over a switch prior to signing a new Formula 1 deal with Aston Martin. Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell choice to activate an exit clause in his Mercedes contract to pursue a move to Ferrari from 2025 has created a vacant drive at Mercedes. […]
Lewis Hamilton has decided to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, leaving a vacancy at Mercedes. The team is considering options ranging from young protege Antonelli to seasoned champions like Alonso. Alonso had conversations with rival teams but ultimately extended his contract with Aston Martin. Wolff confirmed that Alonso was considered for Mercedes but was not interested at the time. Despite his talent, Alonso’s career choices have limited his success in F1. Mercedes never considered Alonso during his dominant period at McLaren due to past episodes, including the Spygate scandal.