Fernando Alonso could demand “more money’ from Lawrence Stroll to not move to Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move

Fernando Alonso might have more leverage on Lawrence Stroll after Lewis Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari in 2025.

Fernando Alonso could demand “more money’ from Lawrence Stroll to not move to Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton (Via: IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting world by announcing his Ferrari move for 2025. The 39-year-old had been a stable part of Mercedes for over a decade. However, the seven-time world champion decided to switch to Ferrari in hopes of a historic eighth world title. Now, Hamilton’s departure could open the door for Fernando Alonso to race for the Silver Arrows next year.

Spanish F1 pundit Antonio Lobato reckons that Alonso would be obliged to hold talks with Toto Wolff for a potential move to Mercedes. The two-time world champion has been confident in Aston Martin’s long-term project. However, Lobata insisted that Fernando Alonso could move to the Silver Arrows if it allowed the 42-year-old to fight for the title in the short term.

Fernando Alonso will be obliged to talk to Mercedes. (The signing for Mercedes) will depend a lot on how Aston Martin performs this year. Although he now puts Aston Martin first, if he sees that the project can give him a title in the short term, it cannot be ruled out.
Antonio Lobato said on El Partidazo de COPE
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Moreover, the F1 pundit claimed that Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll would certainly need to pay Alonso a much higher salary to retain the 42-year-old. Fernando Alonso’s current contract extends till the end of this year. This could provide the Spaniard with the perfect opportunity to replace Hamilton at Brackley.

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Starting today, it will cost Lawrence Stroll more money to renew Fernando.

Could Fernando Alonso really replace Lewis Hamilton?

Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the F1 grid. Despite being at the age of 42, the Spaniard delivered impressive results for Aston Martin last year. This has proved that Alonso remains at an incredible level of performance. Certainly, the two-time world champion would match the level of George Russell if the two became teammates at Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso sharing the podium (via Sky Sports F1)

However, the Silver Arrows might not be interested in a short-term prospect. Alonso would be 43 at the start of 2025. Despite his brilliant pace, the Spanish driver will need to stop racing in a couple of years. Subsequently signing Fernando Alonso would force Mercedes to look for a new driver again in the coming years.

Certainly, Toto Wolff would be looking to have long-term stability at the team after Hamilton’s departure. This could reduce the chances of Alonso racing for the Silver Arrows. However, it remains to be seen if the 42-year-old does discuss a potential future at Brackley in the coming months.

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