Insider unpacks a potential double deal? Mercedes lure Verstappen and Marko… The first big domino in the F1 driver market has fallen with the extension of Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin. But the biggest fish in the pond is still world champion Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull star is number one on Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff’s wish list. It seems the Silver Arrows would be willing to make some concessions in order to land the Dutchman.
Alonso commits to Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso has firmly reaffirmed his commitment to Aston Martin, effectively quashing rumours of a possible move to Mercedes or Red Bull for the 2025 Formula One season. The statement follows the signing of the longest contract of his illustrious career, cementing his future with the team until at least 2026.
Speculation surrounding Alonso’s career moves has been intense, with many observers eyeing a vacant seat at Mercedes as a possible destination for the two-time World Champion. However, following the Japanese Grand Prix, Alonso played down the appeal of joining Toto Wolff’s Mercedes.
Asked about joining George Russell at Mercedes, Alonso pointedly remarked: “Mercedes are behind us, so it’s not that attractive.”
This statement came just days before the official announcement of his extended stay at Aston Martin, signalling his clear intention to remain with the Silverstone-based constructor.
Alonso dig at Mercedes
Alonso’s decision is not just a continuation, but a deep commitment to Aston Martin’s ambitious projects. He emphasised the long-term vision behind his decision, stating, “To commit to a project, a one-year project, didn’t make sense to me. It was very clear to Aston from the first discussions that the attraction of this project was everything we were building”.
Highlighting the strategic developments at Aston Martin, Alonso detailed the significant infrastructure developments, including a new campus and wind tunnel, as well as the anticipation of new regulations in 2026 and a promising partnership with Honda. These elements were crucial in his decision to extend his contract, underlining his commitment to being part of a transformative era for the team.
“This is the longest contract I’ve ever signed in my career,” said Alonso, demonstrating the depth of his investment in Aston Martin’s future. He also hinted at a long association with the team beyond his driving years, with plans to use his extensive F1 experience in a potentially different role within the organisation.
Mercedes engineer contradicts Wolff
Hamilton and Alonso ‘both told no’ by Red Bull
Red Bull Racing has reportedly rebuffed overtures from two of the sport’s titans, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, as the drivers sought new homes before solidifying their futures with Ferrari and Aston Martin respectively. The details of these behind-the-scenes negotiations provide an insight into the complex strategic considerations that teams and drivers must navigate in this elite motorsport.
Prior to Hamilton’s dramatic move to Ferrari, it was revealed that Hamilton had been exploring opportunities with Red Bull. Team Principal Christian Horner revealed that Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, had contacted him directly to discuss a possible move.
However, Horner made it clear that these talks never developed into serious discussions and insisted that “there was never a vacancy” at Red Bull, effectively closing the door on what could have been a monumental team change.
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Dispelling the rumours
In response to widespread speculation and fan theories that prominent drivers such as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris had also turned down opportunities with Red Bull, respected F1 journalist Mark Hughes took to social media to set the record straight.
Hughes was unequivocal: “Neither Leclerc, Hamilton nor Alonso have been offered a place. Hamilton and Alonso both tried and were told no”.
This clarification from Hughes highlights the intense competition and strategic manoeuvring that defines the F1 driver market.
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Norris’ perspective on Red Bull
The story of Lando Norris, who recently re-committed to McLaren with a new multi-year contract, adds another layer to the story.
Norris has addressed rumours that he avoided a move to Red Bull for fear of competing with Verstappen. Speaking candidly, Norris dismissed the notion of fear, pointing instead to the practical challenges of adapting to a new team and going head-to-head with one of the sport’s best, especially one as entrenched in his team as Verstappen.
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Mercedes desperate to lure Verstappen (& Marko?)
As long-time paddock journalist and F1 insider Tom Clarkson told the F1 Nation podcast, Toto Wolff and Mercedes are nowhere near giving up the fight for Max Verstappen.
Toto Wolff has apparently sent a clear message to Max Verstappen in private talks over a move to Mercedes. Wolff wants Verstappen to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
But the Mercedes team boss faces a daunting task in poaching him from Red Bull, who have supplied him with three successive title-winning cars. He’s the overwhelming favourite to win titles four and five this year and next.
“I have been told by several people in Japan that Toto Wolff is really after Max. He needs a star signing because obviously the last three years haven’t gone very well for the team [Mercedes]. And it [signing Verstappen] would be a real statement of intent,” said Clarkson.
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Verstappen and Marko to Mercedes?
The journalist also revealed: Mercedes would be willing to offer a job to more than just Verstappen.
“It was mentioned to me that he [Wolff] said to Max: ‘Bring Helmut along if that’s what it takes,'” Clarkson explained, adding that the Silver Arrows would even be willing to sign one of Verstappen’s closest confidants if it meant a change for the Dutchman.
But could it really happen? Wolff, Marko and Verstappen under one roof at Mercedes?
“I find it difficult to imagine. I see more of a static driver market. I can see Max staying, I can see Checo staying… the only question is what happens to George Russell? Will it be Carlos Sainz? Will it be Kimi Antonelli? […] Nobody knows. But it’s clear that it’s all about Mercedes,” summarised Clarkson.
Mercedes engineer contradicts Wolff
MORE F1 NEWS: Sainz to Mercedes?
In a surprising twist of Formula One dynamics, current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finds himself at a pivotal point in his career. As the 2024 season approaches, it marks the end of Sainz’s tenure with Ferrari and paves the way for a significant reshuffle in the driver line-up.
Record-breaking world champion Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, a move that has shocked fans and insiders alike, with some interesting behind-the-scenes manoeuvring taking place with huge implications for these changes at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Carlos Sainz’s 2024 season with Ferrari isn’t just another year of racing; it’s a farewell tour with profound implications. The Spaniard’s performance could determine his future opportunities in F1, with a potential Mercedes seat in his sights. Indeed it appears that such a move is extremely likely to be…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
