Formula 1 has just shut down its engines and closed the first part of the season in Hungary preparing to go on vacation. There is however a market, the pilot one that is still in full swing thanks to a pawn that made its move just on the eve of the weekend in Budapest. Sebastian Vettel shocked everyone by posting a video on Instagram last July 28 in which he announced his withdrawal from the top category. A farewell that has closed a circle, the generational one, and opened another one, that of the drivers market, leaving a seat free in Aston Martin, left alone with Lance Stroll. We expected an answer in this break period and we didn't have to wait long since the last traffic lights went out. In fact, today the team announced the driver it will replace Sebastian Vettel in 2023.
A “worldwide” name
Replace Sebastian Vettel, with 4 world titles behind him, it involved a difficult choice. Another important and experienced name should have arrived in such a way as to support Lance Stroll without further pressure. Of 4 names, including De Vries, Hulkenberg, Schumacher and Alonso, the only one "calibrated" for this was only one. So the choice fell on the exchange between world champions. This, combined with Alpine's desire not to leave the young talent Oscar Piastri on the bench for another year, has led the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso at the gates of the English stable, looking for a more stable seat than the Alpine would offer him with an annual contract.
The announcement
A black and white photo of Alonso, posted on Instagram shows the following caption: "I am happy to share that in 2023 I will be joining Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1. This is a truly exciting opportunity and I am grateful for the trust placed in me in this multi-year venture. I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be in the front row and I want to be part of a company that wants to learn, develop and succeed.”
Aston Martin is the umpteenth adventure of Fernando Alonso who really doesn't want to know about leaving Formula 1, much less doing it as a loser : “The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convince me to maintain my joy and commitment to the sport. I still want to win, and so I have to take advantage of the opportunities that I think are right for me."
The words of the "boss" Aston Martin
“I have known and admired Fernando for many years – comments Lawrence stroll, team owner – and it has always been clear that he is a dedicated winner like me. I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organization to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and the plan is taking shape at Silverstone."
“It seemed natural to invite Fernando to be part of developing a winning team, and in our recent conversations we quickly realized that we have the same ambitions and the same values. Confirming that we wanted to work together was logical and simple”.
Piastri in the direction of Alpine?
Fernando Alonso's departure opens the door for the young driver from the Alpine nursery, Oscar Piastri, who is eager to replace Fernando and support Esteban Ocon. Piastri, in case Fernando hadn't gone to Aston, was already ready in the direction Williams, who probably had to foot Nicholas Latifi, will turn to a young talent from his nursery, Logan Sergeant.
Source statements: Automoto.it
