Why the perception of Alonso's Aston Martin switch has transformed
Prime
Formula 1 Opinion

Why the perception of Alonso's Aston Martin switch has transformed

By:

OPINION: Fernando Alonso's switch from Alpine to Aston Martin on a multi-year deal for 2023 was a shock upon its announcement midway through last season. It's a move that has been questioned, given both Alonso's advanced stage in his career and Aston's underwhelming results. But the perception of this switch has seemingly changed to a more positive outlook

Much has changed in the five months between 1 August 2022 and the first day of the new year. Britain made its way through a couple more prime ministers, crowned a winner of Strictly Come Dancing and Benoit Blanc solved another murder. In that same short period, the perception of Fernando Alonso jumping the Alpine ship to sign for Aston Martin has transformed completely.

Only four days after Sebastian Vettel joined the murky world of social media to announce his retirement from grand prix racing, news broke that Alonso would be filling the void left by his fellow world champion at Lawrence Stroll’s squad. It is known that Alpine was dragging its feet with contract negotiations. Alonso wanted a firm two-year extension but was only being offered the one as his employer tried to keep the camp of FIA Formula 2 and 3 champion Oscar Piastri sweet.

shares
comments

Alpine reveals launch date for A523 F1 car

‘Heart surgery while running a marathon’: The challenge facing Williams’ next F1 boss

More from Matt Kew

FIA launches F1 tyre supply tender from 2025

FIA launches F1 tyre supply tender from 2025

F1 Formula 1

FIA launches F1 tyre supply tender from 2025 FIA launches F1 tyre supply tender from 2025

How the FIA's Alonso Saudi Arabian GP penalty U-turn played out

How the FIA's Alonso Saudi Arabian GP penalty U-turn played out

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

How the FIA's Alonso Saudi Arabian GP penalty U-turn played out How the FIA's Alonso Saudi Arabian GP penalty U-turn played out

Saudi F1 struggles show Ferrari not second best, says Sainz

Saudi F1 struggles show Ferrari not second best, says Sainz

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Saudi F1 struggles show Ferrari not second best, says Sainz Saudi F1 struggles show Ferrari not second best, says Sainz

Alpine implements procedural changes after triple Ocon F1 penalty

Alpine implements procedural changes after triple Ocon F1 penalty

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Alpine implements procedural changes after triple Ocon F1 penalty Alpine implements procedural changes after triple Ocon F1 penalty

Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit

Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit

What the GPS data reveals about how Verstappen must approach Saudi GP

What the GPS data reveals about how Verstappen must approach Saudi GP

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

What the GPS data reveals about how Verstappen must approach Saudi GP What the GPS data reveals about how Verstappen must approach Saudi GP

Ocon twice hit the wall in "too close" Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

Ocon twice hit the wall in "too close" Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Ocon twice hit the wall in "too close" Saudi Arabian GP qualifying Ocon twice hit the wall in "too close" Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets

The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1
Bahrain February Testing

The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets

What Perez's Jeddah joy means for the hopes of a real F1 title fight

What Perez's Jeddah joy means for the hopes of a real F1 title fight

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

What Perez's Jeddah joy means for the hopes of a real F1 title fight What Perez's Jeddah joy means for the hopes of a real F1 title fight

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay

How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay

The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off

The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Las Vegas GP
GP Racing

The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off

Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come

Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come

How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem

How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem

Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise

Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Adam Cooper

Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise

Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much

Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much