Fernando Alonso is looking at a distinct opportunity in the 2025 driver market, positioning himself as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, should he choose to stay in the competition.
Alonso’s enduring prowess in Formula 1 places him among elite athletes who continue to defy the expectations associated with ageing in a field that typically favours emerging young stars.
Last season, Alonso demonstrated his relentless drive and skill by securing podium finishes, provided he has a competitive car.
With eight podiums to his name last year, more than any other driver outside of the Red Bull team, Alonso nearly led Aston Martin to victory, challenging the dominance of Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari after this season has stirred the 2025 driver market, sparking speculation on his successor as a seven-time World Champion.
The list of potential free agents for 2025 includes names like Esteban Ocon, who maintains ties with Mercedes, Alex Albon, whom Red Bull might retain, and Fernando Alonso himself.
During the AMR24’s recent unveiling, Alonso shared with the press, his current stance on the future: “I cannot think too much about the future right now, I will have to wait a few races. I’m aware of my situation, which is very unique.”
Alonso’s situation is distinguished because he is the sole World Champion on the current grid available for the 2025 season and beyond.
Alonso elaborated on the rarity of his position, stating, “There are only three world champions on the grid and fast world champions, because in the past maybe there were some world champions where they were not so committed to being fast.
“I’m probably the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.”
Mercedes has a history of working with World Champions, starting with Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954 and 1955, followed by Michael Schumacher who joined the team for their 2010 return.
Lewis Hamilton, who clinched his initial championship in 2008 with McLaren under Mercedes power, and Nico Rosberg, who secured his sole Drivers’ Championship in 2016, are part of this legacy.
Valtteri Bottas, during his tenure with Mercedes in the modern era, did not win a title, whereas George Russell has demonstrated potential that suggests he could be Britain’s next champion.
Interestingly, if Alonso were to join Mercedes in 2025, he would be starting the season at the age of 43. This is the same age Fangio was when he won his second title with Mercedes in 1954.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is heralded as the future Max Verstappen, poised to enter the Formula 2 championship at the tender age of 17, thanks to Mercedes’ accelerated grooming process.
Should Mercedes decide to bring him on board, it would echo Lewis Hamilton’s ascent to McLaren, marking one of the youngest rosters in Mercedes’ 70-year Formula 1 history.
Fernando Alonso represents a safer bet for the Mercedes board, offering him what could be his final opportunity to clinch a title before hanging up his racing gloves for good.
Aston Martin’s shift to Honda power in 2026 presents a delicate situation for Alonso, given his tumultuous history with Honda during their collaboration at McLaren and his bid for the Indy 500 victory — his prime chance at securing the triple crown.
Alonso’s critique of the “GP2 engine” was later contrasted by his victories at Le Mans with Toyota, Honda’s domestic rival.
Alonso emphasized that any decision regarding a switch to Mercedes power would be made in close consultation with his current team: “When I make the decision if I want to keep racing at all for the future, first and only talk that I will have at the beginning is with Aston Martin, because that will be my only one priority.”
