Formula 1: Fernando Alonso to join Aston Martin next season
Fernando Alonso has been roped in by Aston Martin after Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement
KARACHI: Fernando Alonso, a two-time champion, will begin racing for Aston Martin in 2023 under a multi-year contract.
Sebastian Vettel will be replaced by the 41-year-old Spaniard, who has competed for Alpine since 2021 if the German announces his retirement at the end of the current campaign.
Alonso, who won the F1 championship in 2005 and 2006, made a comeback to the sport in 2021 after competing elsewhere for two years.
"I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front," Alonso said.
"Aston Martin is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is, therefore, one of the most exciting teams in F1 today. No one in F1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me. I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed," he added.
This unexpected move is a setback for Alpine, as Alonso has been outperforming teammate Estasban Ocon this year while trailing the Frenchman in the championship due to a string of mechanical issues.
Although Aston Martin wanted Alonso to join the team and had given him a contract for the following year, they had also held informal exploratory talks with Vettel in case the four-time champion decided to leave.
Aston Martin moved swiftly after Vettel announced his choice.
Lance Stroll, Stroll's son, will be Alonso's teammate in 2023.
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