Aston Martin didn’t waste much time on finding a new driver after Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement last week. The Formula One team confirmed on Monday that two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso is set to step in for Vettel in 2023.
Alonso reportedly signed a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, meaning that the 41-year-old racer isn’t thinking about retirement anytime soon.
“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organization that is committed to learn, develop and succeed,” said Alonso after the news became public. “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.”
Alonso didn’t notify his current team, Alpine, about the decision to switch teams next season. Reportedly, Alpine only found out about the news after Aston Martin made a press release on Monday. Alonso and Alpine previously held negotiations about a new contract but couldn’t agree on its length.
Fernando Alonso previously took a break from F1 after 2018 before returning to the competition last season. He has been driving quite well in 2022, holding 10th place on the F1 drivers’ standings with 41 points. Alonso’s best race this season was the fifth-place finish at the British GP.
