Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso had decided to switch teams for the 2023 season by moving to Aston Martin replacing one World Champion for another.
As Sebastian Vettel’s retirement has emptied a seat, the Spaniard has grabbed the opportunity to race alongside Lance Stroll from 2023.
Alonso made a comeback in Formula 1 with Alpine in 2021. The recently turned 41-year-old had already indicated his motives to switch teams. The 41-year-old is still performing like a fine wine competing at the pinnacle of motorsports.
However, the move came as a surprise to everyone as Alonso wanted to move to a more competitive team. Whereas, Aston Martin is currently even behind Alpine in performance. At the latest Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso secured his eighth consecutive points finish. The Spaniard finished P8 ahead of his teammate Esteban Ocon.
Now, F1 is headed into the summer break after the Hungarian GP. Nevertheless, Aston Martin revealed that the Spaniard had signed on the dotted line in what they said:
“a clear statement of intent from an organization that has committed to developing a winning F1 team”.
What did Fernando Alonso say?
Fernando Alonso said in his statement:
“This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today,”
“I have known Lawrence and Lance [Stroll] for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1. I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone. No one in Formula 1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.
“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed,”
added 32-times race winner.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll said:
“I have known and admired Fernando Alonso for many years. It has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me. I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organisation to succeed in this highly competitive sport. Those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.”
Team principle Mike Krack said:
“We are delighted to have Fernando and Lance as our driver line-up next year. The combination of experience and youth will be incredibly strong. Both drivers look forward to competing and working together.”
The move is rather surprising. Whether Fernando Alonso would be able to yield the results he wanted in Aston Martin will remain a question. Will Aston Martin take an upward stride with Alonso? Let’s see the next season.
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