Fernando Alonso rocked the Formula One driver market on Thursday by signing a new contract with Aston Martin. The veteran had been considered a strong contender for a seat at either Red Bull or Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton departing the Silver Arrows to join Ferrari in 2025.
Alonso had reportedly been on a three-man shortlist drawn up by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. There were also suggestions that the Spaniard could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
Max Verstappen’s future remains unclear, despite a loose insistence that the Dutchman remains committed to Red Bull for the remainder of his contract until 2028. Wolff has been openly flirting with the idea of making a shock move for the three-time world champion from rivals Red Bull.
Vettel decision timeline revealed after F1 return rumors
Sebastian Vettel is set to decide in the coming ‘days and weeks’ about a potential return to F1, according to reports.
It’s just two years since Vettel called it a day and retired from F1, but the German has been linked with a sensational return.
Vettel is believed to be a possible candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, after the German constructor missed out on Fernando Alonso, who is signing a contract extension at Aston Martin.
The four-time world champion has also been rumored to be of interest to Porsche’s World Endurance team as well, and their head of operations has teased his decision could be imminent.
Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com: “We have read in the media that he is in talks with several people. But we only know that he has not yet decided what he will do.
“We also do not know if he will run again, where and when. That will be known in the coming days or weeks.
“So we also don’t know if he will race with us in the future.”
Drivers closest to race ban for points penalty
Twelve points and you’re out. That’s the rule put in place by the FIA, with a one-race ban handed out to any drivers who reach that threshold.
But which F1 racers are closest to the 12-point cutoff?
Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 8 points
Logan Sargeant, Williams – 6 points
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 5 points
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 4 points
George Russell, Mercedes – 4 points
Former F1 ace warns against growing street circuit expansion
Former F1 champion Mario Andretti has voiced his concern about the growing number of street circuits on the calendar.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Andretti said: “I think we have to be very careful to keep the traditional circuits that have made Formula One what it is today, and not ever forget that. Many of these traditional circuits like Silverstone have upgraded to the standards that you expect.
“And again, I’m one of those individuals that value so much where we came from and let’s not ever forget that.
“It’s fine to go forward and bring on new things, but never forget where we came from. So in my opinion, nothing will substitute Silverstone at the moment in England. ”
Full 2025 schedule confirmed by FIA
Elsewhere in the 2025 schedule, it’s a return to Australia for the opening race of the season, while the USA maintains its three-race status.
The British GP remains in its usual mid-summer spot, while the season concludes in the UAE on December 7th.
🥁 Presenting… the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar!#F1 pic.twitter.com/qrBB52ncRd
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2024
Lewis Hamilton’s dream already slashed for first season in Ferrari car
Lewis Hamilton’s first season as a Ferrari driver won’t include a dream visit to Africa for the 2025 F1 season.
The continent has once again been snubbed on the calendar – something Hamilton has previously been outspoken about.
Speaking last year, the seven-time world champion said: “There’s one more race we need and that’s going to be Africa. We have all the other continents and why not there? So that’s the one I’m working on pushing right now.”
Ferrari making new ‘push’ for Adrian Newey
Ferrari are reportedly ‘pushing’ once more to take highly-rated engineer Adrian Newey from Red Bull.
Auto Motor und Sport report that Ferrari are making a fourth attempt to sign Newey, who has previously admitted to turning down the job on several occasions.
The Italian team want Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s successful cars, to work alongside Lewis Hamilton from the 2025 season.
Who could benefit from Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin contract?
Fernando Alonso’s new Aston Martin contract surprised many F1 onlookers.
The Spaniard had been linked with Red Bull and Mercedes but decided to pen a multi-year extension with his current team.
That decision is likely to have a ripple effect throughout the grid.
Express Sport’s Fraser Watson took a look at five drivers who may benefit from the deal.
Fernando Alonso’s ‘enduring talent’ highlighted
Martin Brundle has hailed Fernando Alonso’s ‘enduring talent’ after the Spaniard penned a new Aston Martin contract.
Alonso, who is 42, has signed a multi-year extension to quash rumours of a move to Mercedes or Red Bull.
Brundle tweeted: “That man has incredible motivation and staying power. And enduring talent. Exceptional, in any sport, in any era.”
That man has incredible motivation and staying power. And enduring talent. Exceptional, in any sport, in any era. https://t.co/fuktsdxpGz
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) April 11, 2024
Mercedes ‘finalise’ Max Verstappen contract
Mercedes have reportedly finalised Max Verstappen’s salary and bonuses in the event that the Dutchman agrees to join from Red Bull.
Toto Wolff has publicly admitted that the Silver Arrows would like to sign Verstappen, who has been linked with an exit from Red Bull amid a power struggle behind the scenes.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes chiefs have already planned the terms of the contract that they will offer to Verstappen if the 26-year-old agrees to enter surprise talks.
Wolff lost Fernando Alonso from a reported three-man shortlist to replace Lewis Hamilton on Thursday. Alonso has agreed to remain with Aston Martin.
