Fernando Alonso will race for Aston Martin from 2023
(Picture: AP)Fernando Alonso has completed a surprise move to Aston Martin for the 2023 F1 season.
Sebastian Vettel confirmed his retirement from the sport last week to open up a seat at the Silverstone-based team, with fellow German Mick Schumacher tipped by some to take the drive.
However, 41-year-old Alonso was confirmed as Aston’s new driver on Monday morning having signed a multi-year deal.
The Spaniard said: “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.
“I have known Lawrence [Stroll, executive chairman] and Lance [Stroll] for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One.
“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.”
Alonso currently sits tenth in the 2022 F1 championship and has delivered points finishes in his last eight races, helping Alpine overtake McLaren for fourth place in the Constructors’ standings.
Young Australian driver Oscar Piastri is the likely choice to be promoted from Alpine’s academy programme to take Alonso’s seat for next season.
Alonso continued: “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.”
