The Spanish driver has signed a contract for several seasons in favor of the English team to replace Sebastian Vettel.
Fernando Alonso and Alpine, it’s almost over. The double Formula 1 world champion with Renault (2005, 2006) will leave the French team at the end of the season to take up the Aston Martin challenge in place of Sebastian Vettel, future retiree. The 41-year-old Spanish driver is committed “for several seasonsin favor of the British manufacturer, said the latter. In recent days, the names of Mick Schumacher and Daniel Ricciardo circulated more than that of Alonso to pair with Lance Stroll in 2023.
“Aston Martin is clearly putting the energy and the commitment into winning. It’s one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 todaysaid Fernando Alonso to justify his choice. I have known Lawrence (Stroll, team owner) and Lance (Stroll, his driver son) for many years and it is clear they have the ambition and passion to succeed in F1.»
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“I have seen the team consistently attract great people with the talent to win and massive commitment to new structures and resources at Silverstone, continues the veteran. No one in Formula 1 has a stronger vision and a greater commitment to winning and that makes this opportunity very exciting for me.»
Returning to Formula 1 in 2021 after a two-year hiatus, Alonso finished 10e of the last Drivers’ World Championship with a podium at stake (3e at the Qatar GP). This season, he ranks 10th at the break (41 pts), ahead of 17 points by his teammate Esteban Ocon (8th). Disappointing in 2022, Aston Martin is very far behind with only 16 units gleaned by Vettel (14th) and 4 by Stroll (18th).
Alpine will communicate “in due course”
It remains to be seen which driver will succeed Alonso at Alpine. Formula 2 champion in 2021 and reserve with the French team this year, Australian driver Oscar Piastri (21) could be offered a chance to start in Formula 1.We are looking towards the end of the 2022 season with Fernando in blue and we will give the maximum until the last lap in November. The team will announce its driver line-up for the 2023 season in due course“Simply commented Alpine.
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