Fernando Alonso has pounced on the opportunity to join Aston Martin for 2023.
The team announced the two-times world champion has joined them “on a multi-year contract”. He will take the place previously occupied by Sebastian Vettel, who announced last week he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the year.
“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 One today,” said Alonso.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll moved quickly to secure the services of Alonso after Vettel informed the team of his departure last week. He will drive alongside Stroll’s son Lance, who has been with them since 2019.
“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 1,” said Alonso. “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.”
Stroll has invested heavily in Aston Martin and is building a massive extension to their factory in 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,” said Alonso. “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.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
“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.”
Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine last season after a two-year absence. His contract was due for renewal at the end of the season.
Stroll said he has “known and admired Fernando for many years and 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, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone,” he continued.
“It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RaceFans…