Fernando Alonso has discussed his expectations at Aston Martin, outlining how the team’s competitiveness could impact his F1 future.
The Spaniard shocked the paddock when he agreed to switch from Alpine to Aston Martin last summer, leaving the French squad scrambling to find a replacement for 2023.
Alonso was dissatisfied with the terms Alpine offered him, with the Double World Champion explaining that a multi-year deal was never proposed to him.
Despite his strong performances since returning to F1, Alpine was unwilling to offer the two-year deal that would give Alonso the security he wanted.
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A522 and team mate Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A522.
29.07.2022. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest, Hungary, Practice Day.
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With the 2023 season fast approaching, the 41-year-old has spoken about what he hopes to achieve at his new team – Aston Martin.
The Silverstone-based team demonstrated impressive development at the end of last season, but it remains unclear if they can make the necessary jump to contend with the front-runners.
Formula 1’s top three teams have dominated the podium positions in recent times, so Aston Martin must take significant steps forward to interrupt the established order.
Fernando Alonso cannot guarantee he will fight again at the front, but he remains optimistic that he can contribute to the team’s progression:
“I’m not thinking about timeframes and how long it will take the team to win races.
“I will take it race by race, season by season. What’s important is that we keep making progress.
“We need to feel happy with each other and help each other – [with] Aston Martin helping to achieve the results and the targets that I have, and helping the team to progress every race, every year, to get closer and closer to the top positions.
“I will use all my experience and all my knowledge to help the team shortcut the time that is needed to become World Champions.
“Will I be behind the steering wheel when that time comes? Nobody knows. It’s impossible to predict. But what is certain is that I will try my best.”
F1 has implemented several mechanisms to try and level the playing field. The budget cap, for example, has largely eliminated the discrepancy in spending between the top teams and the midfield.
Wind tunnel restrictions have also been put into place, giving the likes of Aston Martin significantly more time in the tunnel than the top teams.
There is no guarantee these measures will succeed, but there can be little doubt that Alonso will maximise the machinery he is given.
