Alonso To Race For Aston Martin In 2023

Calum Gill 09:33 01/08/2022

Fernando Alonso will make a sensational switch to the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in place of Sebastian Vettel for 2023.

Alonso was widely expected to remain at Alpine, which he joined in 2021 after a two-year F1 sabbatical. This is Alonso’s third stint at the Enstone team where he won his two world titles in 2005 and 2006. There has been clear progress at Alpine this year and a contract renewal seemed a formality, although there was known to be a disagreement over its length. Alonso wanted two years whereas Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi appeared to be planning for a future without Alonso from 2024.Both parties had indicated negotiations would be concluded quickly and there was no suggestion this would be with a negative resolution. Asked if he expected his future to be resolved by the end of the summer break Alonso simply said: “Yes.” That has already happened but his future will remarkably be with Aston Martin instead. Aston Martin says Alonso will join on a “multi-year contract”.

“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,” said Alonso. “I have known Lawrence and Lance [Stroll, Aston Martin’s other driver] 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. We all appreciate that there is much to be done to get to the front, and that we must apply all our energies in working together to find performance. The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convince me to maintain my enjoyment and commitment to the sport. I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”

It is understood that Alpine junior driver Oscar Piastri will inherit the vacant seat for next year alongside Esteban Ocon, who is contracted until the end of 2024.