P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alonso will make F1 future call in “next few weeks”
At the launch of the Aston Martin AMR24 last month, the Spaniard indicated that his first step is to decide if he will continue racing beyond this season, followed by choosing the team he will drive for. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has opened up a seat at Mercedes, where the focus is on preparing F2 protege Kimi Antonelli for a potential role, starting with a testing program in 2021 and 2022 F1 cars after he turns 18 in August. If Antonelli requires more time, there’s a possibility of Mercedes offering Fernando Alonso a one-year deal for 2025 before the expected arrival of the young Italian driver in 2026, provided George Russell stays with the team. Max Verstappen has emerged as a surprise candidate for Mercedes should he decide to leave Red Bull before his contract expires in 2028, but he would likely only commit to a long-term agreement. Alonso acknowledges that he’s on Toto Wolff’s list of potential Mercedes drivers and plans to make a decision on his future in the upcoming weeks or races after personal reflection on his commitment to racing and pursuit of victory. The veteran racer remains uncertain about accepting a one-year deal, emphasizing that his decision will be based on a genuine belief in the opportunity to win races and a desire to contribute fully within an organization that aligns with his dedication to excellence.
