Fernando Alonso made a stunning start to the 2023 F1 season in Bahrain as he qualified in 5th and then went on to finish on the podium with his new team Aston Martin.
Alonso is showing no signs of slowing down at the age of 43 after a two-year hiatus, he returned to F1 in 2021 with Alpine but decided to switch to Aston Martin for 2023 on a 2-year contract. Many fans and pundits are wondering if this will be his last stint in F1, as he will be 45 years old by the time his original contract expires.
What does Fernando Alonso’s girlfriend have to say?
Alonso’s girlfriend, Andrea Schlager, has recently revealed that his current deal with Aston Martin will most likely be his last in F1. She said that Alonso is very happy with his decision to join Aston Martin, which is an ambitious and competitive team that has challenged Red Bull for second place in the constructors’ championship this year.
However, she added that Alonso has other interests and passions outside of F1, such as endurance racing, cycling, and charity work. She said that Alonso wants to enjoy life after F1 and spend more time with his family and friends. She said that his contract with Aston Martin might be his last F1 contract.
How Fernando Alonso started the 2023 season?
Alonso seems to have made the correct decision with his switch to Aston Martin as the AMR23 seemed to have incredible pace in pre-season testing, with Alonso placing high in the timing sheets.
Pre-season is not the place to judge a car’s pace, however, Aston maintained their pace even during the official race weekend. Alonso qualified 5th on the weekend behind both the Ferraris and Red Bulls. This meant that in a matter of one lap, they went from 7th to the 3rd fastest team.
In the race, the car was even faster. Although an early collision with new teammate Lance Stroll pushed him back to 7th, he stunningly fought back to overtake the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Leclerc’s engine failure meant Alonso had a chance to get on the podium and the Spanish did not fail to capitalize on the opening by overtaking Carlos Sainz for 3rd. His stunning overtakes and debut drive won him the fans’ vote for driver of the day.
What does the future hold for Fernando Alonso?
Alonso himself has neither confirmed nor denied his retirement plans yet. He has continuously restated his hunger for success after joining Aston Martin and how he feels like a rookie all over again. He wants to win races and if possible, fight for championships once again.
Do you think Alonso will sign another F1 contract? Do you think Alonso can win a race this year? Comment down below.
