Just days after it was announced that four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel would retire at the conclusion of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Aston Martin has wasted no time signing yet another title-winning grid veteran: current Alpine driver Fernando Alonso.
“We are delighted to confirm two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso will join the team from next season on a multi-year contract,” Aston Martin F1 said of the 41-year-old motorsport talent via Twitter.
The Aramco and Cognizant-backed outfit later added the usual press release bullshit to its confirmation, including how the whole company is very excited to welcome Alonso’s “incredible experience,” “brilliant pace,” and “brilliant racecraft” into the fold.
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“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 1 today,” said Fernando Alonso himself.
“I have known Lawrence and Lance [Stroll] for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1.”
“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.”
“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.”
Funnily enough, Team Principal Mike Krack had stated there was “no Plan B” for when Vettel retired in the lead-up to the latter actually calling it a day/career. As it turns out, the replacement was El Plan.
Does this mean Alpine finally has a free seat for Aussie young gun Oscar Piastri to debut in F1?
