Fernando Alonso on Mercedes: “Not very impressive” / Formula 1

What’s next for Fernando Alonso? At 42, the oldest driver in Formula 1 does not look tired, but he is hungry for victory. His future is one of the most debated topics in the world of Formula 1.

Will he extend the contract with Aston Martin? Is he moving to Mercedes? Is he going somewhere else entirely? Or retire?

Since Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 was announced at the beginning of February, it has been clear: there is a place available for Mercedes next season with George Russell. Fernando Alonso is often linked with the vacant cockpit in the German team.

Asked about the possibility of switching to Mercedes, the Spaniard said in Suzuka: “I had a lot of fun in the race and one of my best weekends in terms of driving.” And he adds: “Mercedes is more backward, so it doesn’t feel attractive.” Wow!

The facts prove him right. Alonso qualified fifth and finished sixth in the race. Mercedes landed in seventh (Russell) and ninth (Hamilton).

Both teams are close together in the constructors’ championship, with Mercedes ahead of their client team Aston Martin by one point.
So is it like an extension of Alonso at Aston Martin? Or cunning tactics on the part of the Spaniard?

What is behind Alonso’s statements will probably be revealed in the near future: the Spaniard recently said that he did not want to wait until the summer to make a decision about his future.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round

outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0