Alpine expects the pending departure of Fernando Alonso after the 2022 season will be “no distraction” for the final nine races.
The Formula 1 summer break comes to an end this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix almost four weeks after it began with the bombshell news that the Spaniard will join Aston Martin for 2023.
But before then, team boss Otmar Szafnauer is confident Alpine and Alonso shall continue to work together as the Enstone-based team looks to secure fourth in the Constructors’ standings.
“Clearly the team has been quite prominent in the world media in the days after Hungary and just before the summer break, however, it is absolutely no distraction for us once we hit the race track again,” the American was quoted by Formula1.com.
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“While we’re losing a fantastic asset in Fernando for next year, his decision has zero bearing on what we want to achieve together in 2022.
“We’ll be pushing hard as a team – with both Fernando and Esteban [Ocon] in the car for the remainder of the year – in order to put ourselves in the best possible position to meet the aforementioned targets for this championship season.
“I know both drivers are highly motivated so we’re all looking forward to channelling that energy on track. We are all feeling ready and motivated for the second part of the season where there is so much to play for in terms of the championship.”
Also back on duty is Oscar Piastri, who spectacularly rejected an announcement by Alpine confirming him as Alonso’s replacement for next year.
That’s because the Australian is expected to take the now vacant seat at McLaren, currently held by Daniel Ricciardo.
And while there might still be legal matters to resolve in that case, Piastri is back at base in the simulator assisting Alpine throughout the Belgian GP weekend.
As for whether Oscar will still be driving in FP1 sessions and conducting private tests in an old car with the team as was planned, remains to be seen.