Problems involving Fernando Alonso and his relationships with teammates have long sparked debate. The most famous is the well-known clash with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, but Alonso has also had tense moments with Felipe Massa at Ferrari and, more recently, with Esteban Ocon at Alpine.
Could a similar dynamic arise next year with Lance Stroll and Aston Martin? Many fans wonder, especially since both Asturians and Canadians have previously experienced sharp on-track rivalries that spilled over into the garage.
The most notable incident occurred at the start of the 2018 United States Grand Prix. In Turn 4, the Canadian driver triggered a braking sequence with his then Williams that sent Alonso’s McLaren forward, forcing the Spaniard to take evasive action.
Fernando Alonso, from Pedro Bello to Pierre Nodoyun
Albert Soler
I don’t know about the damage to the car, but one thing is clear: you can’t race with drivers who collide the moment the lights go out. It’s impossible to run cleanly when risky maneuvers come so early and so often. The radio feed captured Alonso’s visible indignation as the race unfolded, underscoring the frustration of a driver who expects discipline on the track.
After the race, in front of the media, he reiterated his thoughts. The sentiment was plain: you can’t race with drivers who let emotions override restraint. The pace and distance were off, and the incident at Spa and again at Turn 4 raised questions about speed control. Those moments also highlighted that only one pass was granted to Lance Stroll that day for the incident.
This is the last event in 2022
Yet the tension did not stay confined to a single race. Both Alonso and Stroll were seen during pre-season testing in Bahrain the following March, and the sequence of passes at the Sakhir Circuit seemed to signal potential friction next season if teams fail to establish clear boundaries.
They announced the whispers about Alpine and the drama around Piastri after Alonso’s sit-in, and Stroll’s responses added to the intrigue. The Canadian later described the testing sessions with a frank tone, suggesting the on-track dynamic could easily spill over if the team atmosphere becomes strained.
I’ve been along the road with the team and I sense that friction can surface when competing personalities push too hard. It wasn’t just a matter of a one-off incident; it pointed to a broader trend in which rivalries could emerge given the nature of the sport and the leadership dynamics behind the scenes.
Everything you need to know about Fernando Alonso’s new home, Aston Martin
The likelihood of similar clashes reappearing in 2023 at Aston Martin is not hard to predict. Lance Stroll is the team owner’s son, a factor that some observers believe might influence decisions and favoritism at times. However, it is important to note that Fernando Alonso has maintained cordial relationships with the Stroll family off the track. Lawrence Stroll had previously shown interest in signing Alonso before Alonso joined Alpine in 2020.
The partnership in 2023 would bring together a veteran with more than a decade of Formula 1 experience and a driver who has contested numerous Grands Prix since 2017. Their collaboration within Aston Martin carries expectations not only for performance but also for how the team handles internal competition.
[Citation: Paula Alonso]