Alonso explains why he moved from Alpine to Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso was expected to stay with Alpine but instead moved to Aston Martin. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has explained the story behind his surprising switch from Alpine to Aston Martin for the 2023 season.

The 41-year-old signed a multi-year deal with the Silverstone outfit last week to replace Sebastian Vettel, who announced he would retire from the sport at the end of his current campaign.

Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021 after a two-year sabbatical and has produced consistently impressive performances for the French outfit alongside teammate Esteban Ocon. With the Spaniard out of contract until the new year, he is expected to renew for another season, and the announcement of his transfer to a team that now has a much slower car surprised fans.

For Alonso, the resources that billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll provides to Aston Martin are the main reason for his move.

Alonso said in an official statement: “This Aston Martin team has clearly used energy and commitment to win and is one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today. I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years, It is clear that they have the ambition and passion to succeed.

Owner Stroll built Aston Martin’s new headquarters on a 400,000-square-foot site due to open in 2023, with the team bringing together highly-skilled technical staff from its rivals, including Red Bull’s chief aerodynamicist. Dan Fellows.

“I have seen the team consistently attract talented people with a winning pedigree and I understand there is a huge commitment to the new facilities and resources at Silverstone,” said Alonso. No one in Formula 1 today has a bigger vision and an absolute commitment to victory, so it’s been a really exciting opportunity for me.

Alonso won two titles with the Renault-turned-Alpine team in 2005 and 2006, but hasn’t even won a Formula 1 race since 2013. Since then, he has managed the team in midfield but is determined to rise to the challenge. . World Championship again with a new composition.

“I still have the thirst and the ambition to fight to be on the front line. I want to be part of an organization that is ready to learn, develop and succeed,” said Alonso. We all understand that we have a lot of work to do to get ahead, and that we must use all our energy to work together to find fulfillment.