Fernando Alonso has been left eating humble pie after a remarkable stat involving Lewis Hamilton surfaced.
Following the shock news that Hamilton will switch to Ferrari from 2025, Alonso was immediately linked with Mercedes. Despite being 42, Alonso's speed on the track hasn't waned a bit.
However, his career choices haven't always matched the precision of his driving. Ten years ago, he ditched Ferrari for McLaren, only to endure a nightmare as their partnership with engine supplier Honda flopped spectacularly.
He then took a sabbatical from F1 just as McLaren was finding its feet again, first with Renault power and later with a Mercedes engine. Alonso made his F1 comeback with the Renault team (now Alpine) and then switched to Aston Martin, where he enjoyed a strong 2023 season.
Earlier this year, as Alonso pondered his options post-2024, he was quizzed on whether he'd be courting Mercedes, who endured a rocky start to the season. "That's a very good question," he replied following April's Japanese Grand Prix, where he beat both Hamilton and Russell, when asked if he'd be ringing up Silver Arrows chief Toto Wolff. "Mercedes is behind now, so it doesn't feel that attractive."
George Russell parties his way into 2023 with Fernando Alonso at Monaco bash
Soon after that, Alonso pledged his future to Aston by penning a new deal until the end of 2026. Mercedes are still to name Russell's future team-mate, although young Kimi Antonelli, presently in F2, is the current favourite for the seat.
Fast forward a few months and the F1 scene has seen a shake-up. Aston are currently the fifth fastest team at best, lagging significantly behind a rejuvenated Mercedes, who are now taking the fight to Red Bull and McLaren in the battle for race victories.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Has Alonso made another mistake by signing another contract with Aston Martin? Tell us in the comments section.
Lewis Hamilton's season is suddenly looking up (Getty Images)Last time out in Spain, Hamilton came third while Alonso finished outside the points. Remarkably, the Briton has finished at least a lap ahead of the old foe in three of the last four races.
Following such a disappointing home race, Alonso had a short and sharp message for the ambitious Aston team. He anticipates a similar outcome at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix and the subsequent British Grand Prix, remarking: "I think it's gonna be painful as well because it has some characteristics of Barcelona, with the long corners."
"It's going to be another tough weekend, also in Silverstone, arguably. We cannot get too frustrated. It's time to work harder, to talk less, to deliver more. It's what we want to do."
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