Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has revealed that Alpine did not present him with an offer to remain with the Renault-owned team for the 2023 season.
Alpine has been grabbing attention in the F1 world, though not for the most favorable reasons, as the team faces challenges with progress and significant management changes.
Addressing the situation, team boss Otmar Szafnauer downplayed the impact of the issues in Hungary, stating, “It shouldn’t have an impact whatsoever.”
In contrast, Aston Martin’s remarkable progress stands out, and it comes a year after team owner Lawrence Stroll extended an appealing offer to Alonso to join his team.
Reflecting on his decision, Alonso remarked, “Last year’s Grand Prix was quite intense in terms of emotions, but ultimately, it was a good and fortunate choice, and I am content with the decision I made,” during an interview with Canal Plus in Hungary.
Alonso clarified that Alpine did not actively attempt to retain him, stating, “Actually, it wasn’t a matter of choice because I didn’t receive any offer from Alpine.”
He emphasized that if Alpine had extended an offer at the beginning of the year, he would have willingly signed it. However, the only offer he received was from another team, which he accepted.
Addressing the perceived struggles of Alpine in 2023, particularly after they replaced him with Frenchman Pierre Gasly, Alonso expressed a different perspective.
He stated, “I don’t consider the Alpine to be a slow car. It is, in fact, a very fast car, as evident from Silverstone, where Pierre was closely following me for over 30 laps.”
The Spaniard pointed out that performance can significantly differ from one circuit to another, and he remains optimistic about Alpine’s future pace.
While acknowledging his contentment with Aston Martin’s project in the long run, Alonso anticipated many exciting battles against his former team.
In the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine currently occupies the sixth position, with Aston Martin making an impressive appearance in the third place, surpassing Ferrari.
Alonso commented on the competition, stating, “Trying to secure the second position will be a tough challenge until the end.”
He acknowledged the presence of several fast teams and drivers behind Alpine, including Ferrari and McLaren.
“We’re currently in P3, and of course, we aim to be P2, but we stay grounded and realistic until the end,” Alonso added.
