Two-time Formula 1 world champion and veteran of the sport, Fernando Alonso, will be joining the Aston Martin F1 team from 2023, signing a “multi-year” deal. The swift announcement comes soon after Sebastien Vettel’s somewhat surprising move last week to announce his departure from the team and subsequent retirement from the sport.
Alonso, who at the 2022 French Grand Prix became one of the sport’s most experienced drivers recording the most laps driven, will depart from Alpine’s F1 outfit at the end of the year.
Although previously thought to be a frontrunner to replace Vettel at Aston Martin, the pace at which the announcement has been made has caught many off-guard, kicking the “silly season” into full swing.
Days ago, the Spaniard indicated his intent to stay put, saying, “My priority is to be with Alpine because we’ve been working and developing this project together for two years now,” as reported by Motorsport.com.
Alonso will partner Lance Stroll on the 2023 grid, with the latter’s father, Lawrence Stroll, owning the team. The signing brings a wealth of experience to the team, despite Alonso not having won an F1 race since 2013.
Related: Sebastian Vettel To Retire At The End Of 2022 Season
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Commenting on the move, Alonso said, “I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years, and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One.
He went on to say, “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 One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”
Meanwhile, Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin F1 said, “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me… It seemed natural, therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team.”
The move opens up a seat at Alpine alongside Esteban Ocon. Alpine’s reserve driver Oscar Piastri, is thought to be waiting in the wings. However, with Alonso’s seat now vacant, it remains to be seen how the Enstone-based team will respond.
