Fernando Alonso's recently secured contract extension with Aston Martin could potentially render his longtime associate, Pedro de la Rosa, surplus to requirements.
Both Alonso and the ex-Formula 1 racer, de la Rosa, have shared affiliations not just at Aston Martin, where de la Rosa serves as a team ambassador, but also during their earlier tenures at McLaren and Ferrari.
At the age of 42, Alonso has described his latest agreement with Aston Martin as "the longest contract" he has ever entered into within Formula 1, despite it reportedly ensuring his position as a racer only for the years 2025 and 2026.
In a conversation in Shanghai, Antonio Lobato, a commentator for DAZN in Spain, enquired about the future of 53-year-old de la Rosa's contract with Aston Martin.
"I made the joke this week that when Fernando Alonso is in, Pedro will be out," de la Rosa, brand and team ambassador, quipped. "Well, if it really is for Fernando to stay in the team, then I'm leaving."
While de la Rosa's comment was made in jest, it hinted at a likely shift towards a non-racing role for Alonso after his active driving days are over.
Responding to queries about the timing of such a transition, de la Rosa mentioned, "Fernando has signed such a long-term contract, two years of competing at first, that I don't see an expiration date for him."
Lobato concurred, noting, "Fernando has never hidden the possibility of staying in a more technical role behind the wall to help the team or as a consultant for Aston Martin."
"It may be an even longer relationship than we think."
By 2026, Alonso will be entering his 23rd season in Formula 1 and will be aged 45.
"In a sport as demanding as this, where the competition is fierce and there are only 20 spots available, to remain so influential in the transfer market after such a long time is remarkable," Lobato remarked.
