Symonds, who played a central role in Alonso’s championship victories at Renault, believes that while Alonso’s talent is unquestionable, his potential signing by Mercedes could pose a challenge in terms of planning for the future.
Alonso himself has yet to decide whether he’ll continue racing in Formula 1 after this season, and Mercedes, along with Red Bull, has a vacant seat for the next season.
Although Toto Wolff has mentioned Alonso as a contender to replace Lewis Hamilton, he awaits Max Verstappen’s decision before making any moves.
If Alonso were to join Mercedes next season, Symonds suggests that Wolff would need to have a plan in place, especially considering that George Russell’s contract also expires in 2025.
Symonds believes Wolff might sign Alonso alongside Russell for a year or two due to Alonso’s speed and experience. However, this move could create a dilemma regarding Russell’s future within the team.
He emphasizes the importance of continuity within a team and suggests that a good succession plan is crucial for long-term success.
While signing Alonso could be a strategic move, Symonds suggests that Wolff needs to consider the team’s future beyond just the immediate seasons.
