Aston Martin F1 sees the arrival of a driver of two time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso’s stature as a compliment to the team and a sign that it will do everything it can to be a top team next season.

Just before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel announced that he would retire at the end of the 2022 season, leaving an empty seat in the Aston Martin team from 2023. The day after the race, to the surprise of almost everyone, Fernando Alonso announced that he would be joining the British team on a multi-year deal.

Mike Krack, Team Principal at Aston Martin explains the team’s choice and the hopes it has for the two-time world champion’s arrival in the British camp.

2006 Championship winning Renault of Alonso

“He just has that killer instinct. Whatever happens, you know Fernando will always give you everything: He always pushes 100 per cent, he always gets the most out of the car and the team. His racing craft is exceptional: a formidable combination of confidence, instinct and intelligence.”

Aston Martin’s Team Principal is very clear about the team’s ambitions for next year: to join the front of the grid.

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“The signing of Fernando is a clear statement of our intention at Aston Martin F1. We are not on the grid to make up the numbers. We are here to win.”

“We are on our way to the front of the grid and Fernando’s decision to join us, that a driver of his calibre believes in the Aston Martin F1 project, is a great compliment to our team and the work we do.”

“He will demand a lot from us, but that’s what you expect from a multiple world champion. Fernando will be a guiding force in climbing together and, like everyone else in the team, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

“The prospect of having Fernando and Lance in the car next year is extremely exciting,” concluded Mike Krack.

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