F1 2023 news: Fernando Alonso future revealed by partner on live TV, Lewis Hamilton opens up on Mercedes drama

Fernando Alonso is back in the F1 spotlight after his superb Aston Martin debut and the superstar driver’s future in the sport has been revealed by his partner.

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton arrives for a press conference at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 16, 2023, ahead of the 2023 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

Formula One superstar Fernando Alonso’s partner has revealed the veteran’s retirement plans — on live TV.

Not for the first time, Alonso stunned the F1 world in 2022 when he announced his defection from Alpine to Aston Martin where he replaced the retiring Sebastian Vettel.

And on debut with his new team he drove to a podium finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

For F1 fans hoping this is yet another resurgence in the 41-year-old’s incredible career, it seems we have just two seasons left of the Spanish star.

Andrea Schlager. Picture: Getty Images

“He currently has a two-year contract and it will most likely be the last,”Andrea Schlager, Alonso’s partner and F1 journalist said on TV.

“The whole winter consisted of gym, tennis, skiing. It was impressive how he went full throttle.”

Aston Martin have been tipped by many experts to upset the balance in F1 this season and they are emerging as a genuine contender for at least fourth.

Given the underwhelming starts from both Ferrari and Mercedes their season could take a stunning rise to second if, as expected, their forthcoming upgrades eclipse their rivals’.

Should Alonso’s time in F1 conclude at the end of the 2024 season it will ignite another furious trade period with the majority of drivers also contracted until then.

Fernando Alonso could have just two seasons left in Formula One. Picture: Getty Images

HAMILTON BREAKS SILENCE ON FERRARI LINK

Lewis Hamilton says that he has no intention of leaving struggling Mercedes but admitted his choice of words had created unnecessary problems for the team in the aftermath of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The rumour mill has run hot that Hamilton could look to move from Mercedes after the team rolled out for the 2023 opener in Bahrain seemingly fourth-fastest on the grid.

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the seven-time champion explained that he was not seeking a move to another team and was fully committed to staying with the former dominant champions.

“In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best choice of words,” said Hamilton, referring to his complaint that the team had not listened to him when reviewing their performance and car last year, when they won only one race.

has no intention of leaving struggling Mercedes Picture: Getty Images

“But no ... There are, of course, times where you are not in agreement with certain team members, but what’s important is that we continue to communicate, we continue to pull together.

“I still have 100 per cent belief in this team. It is my family and I have been here a long time, so I don’t plan on going anywhere else.

“But we all need a kick. We all need to get on. And the proof is in the pudding.

“We have seen where the performance is and how people are extracting the performance and we have got to now start making some bold decisions, some big moves, in order to close the gap to these guys.”

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc talk in the paddock ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Picture: Getty Images

Red Bull cruised to a crushing one-two victory with world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in Bahrain where 41-year-old two-time champion Fernando Alonso marked his debut for the Mercedes-powered customer team, Aston Martin, by finishing a charging third.

“They [Red Bull] will run away with it most likely this year unless Ferrari stops them,” said Hamilton.

“At some point during this year, we are hopeful we can close the gap — but by that point, it will probably be too late to fight for a championship.”

Hamilton finished a distant fifth in Bahrain and last year completed the first season of his career without winning a race.

His disappointment and post-race comments led to claims that he was set to seek a move elsewhere in pursuit of a record eighth title.