System 1 | Aston Martin F1: Our plan A, B and C is Alonso

Within the Silverstone team, everyone is motivated to keep Fernando Alonso in Aston Martin F1 beyond 2024.

It is becoming increasingly clear that a move to Red Bull or Mercedes F1 for the 42-year-old world champion is not an obvious choice.

Alonso even said struggling Mercedes F1 was not an “attractive” option, while admitting his chances of going to Red Bull were “close to 0”, although the situation remains unclear regarding Max Verstappen due to ongoing internal problems.

Sergio Perez is once again the favorite to take his place if things settle down.

“He is definitely having his best season with us so far,” Admet and Dr. Helmut Marko.

“But Yuki Tsunoda is also on the run with his current state.”

The fact remains that the transfer market is very difficult this year.

"I don’t think Yuki will be promoted," replied former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, when asked if the Japanese were an option for Red Bull.

“He’s a Honda driver, so I think he’ll be sent to Aston Martin. Then Lance Stroll can go on holiday.”

Another former driver, Ralf Schumacher, agrees with this.

“He’s basically attracting Honda, who are partnering with Aston Martin. As a Japanese driver, they’ll definitely have him on their radar if he continues to develop like this. I’m not sure if he’s attracting different teams. From Red Bull and Honda, the teams don’t know him well, but if he continues doing this, then yes, he can market himself.”

Dr Helmut Marko, however, cannot help but wonder if Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz can start a driver registration for 2025.

“If the radio station is to be believed, Audi wants a decision from Sainz very quickly. Aston Martin is also applying pressure from several sides.”

“We are not involved in these games. Red Bull will not tell you about the next steps in terms of personnel until the middle of the season.”

But Aston Martin, the team owned by Lawrence Stroll, is happier with Alonso as Lance Stroll’s seat seems unsolvable at the moment.

Pedro de la Rosa, Aston Martin brand ambassador and Alonso’s long-time close friend and confidant, basically confirms this.

“The most important thing is to give Fernando reasons to stay with us.”

“We really want him to stay with us. And in the team we don’t think of a different situation. We work so that Fernando continues and we work as if he will continue.”

“There is no plan B. Our plan A, B and C is Fernando. We are not looking around. The team is very happy with Fernando and Lance.”

“We have made small improvements at Suzuka and have a very interesting and ambitious development program for the next race.”

“This is the most important weapon to convince Fernando: an increasingly competitive car.”