Fernando Alonso Seals Aston Martin Move as Summer Break Begins
Fernando Alonso used the first day of summer to unveil his new project with Aston Martin. Upon returning to Spa-Francorchamps this Thursday, excitement followed him into the paddock. The Asturian driver did not soften his stance and spoke clearly to his current team, Alpine, where he will race the final nine Grands Prix of the season while trying to shield himself from the surrounding noise.
Most notably, Alonso declared his decision to part ways with Alpine after growing doubts about a potential renewal. With his 41 years of age and the presence of a rising star like Oscar Piastri in the team, the contract talks took on a life of their own. “Alpine evaluated me every year, and I felt strained by it. In negotiations, Piastri’s name was always on the table. We moved in different directions and disagreed on the central issue. Not only on contract length, but also on the sense of belonging. Feeling loved somewhere should not be temporary. There was a strange atmosphere at Alpine, and the logical choice was Aston Martin, which gave me full confidence regardless of passport,” Alonso explained.
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On his commitment to Aston Martin, then the ninth-placed team on the grid, Alonso offered a hopeful view of his future project. “Moving to Aston Martin was a logical step because they trusted my abilities on and off the track and wanted me on board. It seemed right to allow a talented young driver like Oscar to take the seat. The Aston Martin project is fascinating with many promising projections. I know Lance Stroll well. They have the budget, talent, and resources. Just before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel announced his retirement, and I got a call from Aston Martin. We sat down, they outlined the project, they accepted my terms, and we signed on Monday. We decided to announce it quickly to minimize leaks,” Fernando said, acknowledging the risk while adding that growth together mattered more than a single result. “Whether we finish thirteenth or higher, win or not, I don’t have a crystal ball,” he added.
Alonso noted that Alp Otmar Szafnauer, previously a key figure, learned of the deal through the press and saw Fernando’s frustration. “I’m happy with that question. Otmar probably didn’t know anything, but I informed the president Luca de Meo, Laurent Rossi (Alpine CEO), my technicians, and the team. Everyone involved in negotiations knew this before the official announcement. Otmar wasn’t part of the negotiations, possibly because Luca de Meo or Laurent Rossi hadn’t shared it with him. Everyone else knew except him,” the driver explained.
Regarding the ensuing confusion with Piastri, Alpine confirmed 2023 plans that the Australian driver denied, and Alonso expressed disappointment at insinuations linking him to the matter. He stressed that the decision to move was his own and that attempts to extend his contract had been discussed but nothing formal happened. Aston Martin’s call came after Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement, but Alonso stressed that the move would not have happened without Vettel’s exit. He wished Oscar Piastri the best and reaffirmed his strong affection for Alpine, noting that the team had helped him achieve remarkable things and that he would always look back fondly on their partnership.
Finally, Alonso stated his resolve to push Alpine to finish the season strongly as a high-placing, consistent contender. With Alpine currently fourth in the constructors’ standings and just a narrow gap from McLaren, he expressed a desire to maintain momentum: “There are eight races in a row with points, and it could even extend further given how we started the season in Austria and Barcelona. I also changed the engine in Belgium. I hope for a clean weekend in Belgium, a strong car, and significant improvements over the past months. A top-six finish is within reach, with nine races left, and a podium would be a dream.”
Source context: Alonso’s statements reflect his personal assessment, the structural realities of Formula 1 contracts, and the career arc of a driver navigating between teams while aiming to maximize performance and legacy. For ongoing season insights, consult the FIA World Championship updates and team announcements from official sources.