Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer believes Fernando Alonso’s options outside of Aston Martin are essentially non-existent heading into next season.
Surer, who competed in Formula 1 between 1979 and 1986, shared his candid assessment of Alonso’s situation following a difficult outing at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
The two-time world champion turned 45 in July and has been a vocal critic of the current regulations throughout the season.
Alonso’s struggles have been compounded by Aston Martin’s alarming lack of competitiveness, with the team failing to find consistent form despite significant upgrades.
The team introduced a major car overhaul at the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break, followed by a new specification power unit at the Dutch Grand Prix, yet results have not improved.
Alonso has scored just three points so far this season, including a miserable 17th-place finish at his home race in Madrid.
Surer told GPFans that he expects Alonso to remain at Aston Martin, pointing to the Spaniard’s enduring passion for racing and his lack of alternatives elsewhere on the grid.
“I think he loves racing still,” Surer said, adding, “And I mean, there is hope that Aston Martin is going better next year, so I think he will extend his contract.”
Surer was equally blunt when explaining why no rival team would consider signing Alonso at this stage of his career.
“I think he has not got a chance to go to another team anyway, because who would want to take a driver who has maybe one or two years left in his career?” Surer stated.
The former driver, serving as ambassador for Casino Groups, also outlined why Aston Martin themselves are equally keen to retain the Spaniard despite his struggles.
“I think Aston Martin is desperate to keep him because at the moment, as the car is, they can’t get a better driver or a driver on the same level,” Surer explained.
He went further, adding, “They cannot because nobody wants to go to Aston Martin apart from the young drivers who want to come into Formula 1.”
Surer concluded that the financial incentives and the prospect of improved regulations next year make staying at Aston Martin the only logical outcome for Alonso.
“So I think that, you know, first of all, he will make a lot of money staying, and second, there is hope that next year they will be better, so I think the only thing he can do is stay,” Surer said.
Alonso himself has been measured in his comments about the future, refusing to commit to a timeline on any announcement despite nine races remaining in the current campaign.
“It’s a matter of understanding what the rules from next year will have an impact or not on the racing and on the driving side of things,” Alonso told the media when asked about his future.
He acknowledged that the current generation of cars has not been enjoyable to drive, expressing cautious optimism about the regulation changes ahead.
“The current cars, as I said many times, are not the best cars to drive and to enjoy. But next year there is a step in the right direction, hopefully,” Alonso said.
The Spaniard also hinted at considering a different role within the team, saying he and Aston Martin need to determine together where he can contribute the most, whether behind the wheel or otherwise.