Alonso justifies his departure to Aston Martin
From the day after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the announcement of Alonso's departure from Alpine at the end of the season had the effect of a small earthquake, as a contract extension with the French team seemed to be well underway.
The drivers are back on track, at least they are present at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and the drivers’ press conferences are happening one after another. Fernando Alonso is obviously one of the drivers who has received the most questions. He was finally able to clarify the situation and break his silence.
The driver was able to confirm to the Spanish journalist Carlos Miquel that the entire management of Alpine and Renault, with the exception of Otmar Szafnauer, was aware of his decision to go to Aston Martin before the official announcement was published the day after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
During the press conference, questions were flying about his departure. The Spanish driver first mentioned that his initial wish was to stay at Alpine.
Without Aston Martin, I would have been happy to continue with Alpine. I consider it my family, it’s a team with which I have won a lot.
A better feeling.
The contact between the two parties took place following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement announcement. The British team had taken the lead and contacted the Spanish driver.
I received a phone call after Seb’s retirement announcement. The project is very attractive, with significant investments, a new wind tunnel, and a construction site. There is a chance to grow together.
Contractual details thwarted the contract extension at Alpine, in addition to the project proposed by Aston Martin, which heavily influenced the decision.
We did not agree with Alpine on the duration of the contract. It is also an indicator of how desired one feels in the team. Aston seemed to be the right choice, as they showed that they really wanted me.
A few weeks after this official announcement, Alpine still hasn’t announced the driver who will be alongside Esteban Ocon for the 2023 season. The situation around Oscar Piastri is still unclear. Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t have a clear path for next year yet, although he has been released by McLaren at the end of this season. Rumors circulate about Mick Schumacher, but there is nothing concrete for now.
