Aston Martin have dismissed any concerns about Fernando Alonso's age causing a drop-off in performance at some stage during his time with the team. Alonso will race for the British outfit from 2023 onwards after signing a multi-year contract. The Spaniard had seemingly looked set to stay at Alpine, but the French squad's desire to hand him only a one-year deal – rather than a multi-year plan – factored into his decision to leave. As such, Alonso – who turned 41 this year – could compete for Aston Martin well into his 40s. Despite Alpine's concerns about age bringing a possible decline in performance in the years ahead, Aston Martin boss Mike Krack is not worried by this possibility. "[We have] no concerns at all," Krack told media, including RacingNews365.com . "He's still demonstrating today that he is still super fast, and we do not expect any drop-off."
Krack won't rule out long-term stay for Alonso
Aston Martin have spoken of their goal of moving towards the front of the field, with the team currently sitting down in ninth in the 2022 Constructors' Championship. However, this looks to be a long-term plan, prompting questions over whether Alonso will still be with the squad should it take five or six years for the opportunity to fight for wins and titles to arrive. Krack would not rule out the possibility of Alonso still being on the F1 grid by that point. "I would not be surprised if this is going longer, to be honest," Krack explained.
Alonso "sees potential" in Aston Martin team
Alonso's move to Aston Martin came as a surprise to some, but Krack has reiterated that the two-time World Champion sees potential in what the team can achieve going forwards. "You must also consider, why did he join us?" Krack said. "He sees the potential in this team, in what we're doing, in how we are changing our infrastructure, [in how] we are recruiting people. So I think he sees potential here. "For me, we're not here to race Alpine. We [hope to] race all of them, [and] try to be the best. "I think for Fernando also to make this change is also a big [boost in] confidence [for his] trust in us."
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