“Big role to play in the future”- Aston Martin feel Fernando Alonso can help them grow after calling time on driving career

Fernando Alonso will be the oldest driver in F1 in 2023, turning 42 next July. In terms of driving ability and motivation, however, the Spaniard still looks young as he embarks upon a new journey with Aston Martin.

Midway into the 2022 season, four-time World Champion Fernando Alonso announced that he would retire at the end of the campaign. It did not take long for Aston Martin to announce Alonso as his replacement, and a lot of drama unfolded subsequently. Alonso, meanwhile, was adamant that he was still committed to winning races and potentially challenging for the Title and that Aston Martin was the right place for it.

The Oviedo-born driver signed a multi-year contract with Aston Martin at the age of 41. He is showing no signs of slowing down or retiring, but it seems like the Silverstone-based outfit has already planned out his post-racing career.

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Fernando Alonso joining Aston Martin could help them in the long run

As soon as the 2022 season was over, Alonso jumped ship to the Aston Martin motorhome in Abu Dhabi. After just a day’s break, he jumped into their car and put in laps around the Yas Marina Circuit for the post-season testing. Team principal Mike Krack praised the 2-time World Champion for his performances that day.

In an interview, Krack also spoke about how the team has had conversations regarding his future. The two of them spoke about him potentially continuing with the team in a non-driving role upon retirement. Krack is adamant that he can contribute to the team behind the scenes, in the years to come.

“We have had some very good conversations already with him,” Krack said as quoted by RacingNews365. “This, in my opinion, can go beyond driving. Fernando joining us as being a core part of the team, and we have to see how this is going to develop. But I think he can have a big role to play in the future of the team.”

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When will Alonso retire from F1?

Alonso took a two year break from F1 after leaving McLaren at the end of the 2018 season. He made his return with Alpine in 2021 but most people thought that his best years were behind him. He was even criticized by a few for ‘blocking the entry’ of newer talents, but he shut a lot of his critics up in his first season back.

Alonso looked faster than ever and even bagged a podium finish at the Qatar Grand Prix. After spending two years with the Enstone-based squad, the Spanish racing legend will now race for Aston Martin next season onwards. The thought of retirement has still not entered his mind.