The retirement rumors about Fernando Alonso have been circulating all weekend in the paddock of the brand new Madring circuit. The expectation ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend – Alonso’s home race – was that the two-time world champion would make an announcement about his future. Now that the decision from the Aston Martin driver is pending, the British team itself is also being asked about the situation: “The team definitely wants to continue with him,” says top man Mike Krack.
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Although he still has to make a decision himself, in Madrid the talk is mostly about a possible retirement of home hero Fernando Alonso. Even FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke out about it: “We cannot afford for Fernando, a great champion, to leave just because of circumstances. That’s not how you say goodbye to someone of his caliber,” he said during a speech at the New Economy Forum in Madrid.
In the subsequent press conference for the team principals in Madrid, the topic also came up for Mike Krack, the Chief Trackside Officer at Aston Martin. “The team definitely wants to continue with him,” he says. “But we also have to respect Fernando’s will and the time he needs to come to a decision. I am sure we can find a good solution for both parties so that we can keep going.”
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‘Formula 1 needs someone like Fernando’
The Aston Martin top man agrees with Ben Sulayem that a possible departure of Alonso would be a shame for Formula 1. “The sport needs someone like him,” Krack continues. “We all want to see how Fernando continues. We want to help with that too.”
Regarding a possible plan B in case the Spaniard does decide to leave, Krack would rather not talk about it. “We are not going to name any potential replacement drivers or talk about a plan B,” the top man makes clear. “We hope Fernando continues. He is important for our team, Formula 1, and motorsport in general.”
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