Fernando Alonso admits joining Aston Martin for 2023 is “attractive” but “there are some risks”.
Thursday marked the first time the double world champion spoke to the media since surprising Formula 1 with his decision to leave Alpine to replace Sebastian Vettel next season shortly after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In the press conference, Alonso explained talks with Aston Martin lasted just a few days with contact first being made after Vettel decided to retire on the Wednesday in Budapest and his multi-year deal was signed and announced on the following Monday.
As for why he opted to join Aston, the Spaniard said: “The project is very attractive.
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“Obviously there is a lot of investment going on in the last few years, a lot of new people came into the team, very talented, the engineers, the designers, the new facilities in Silverstone – I felt that it was a nice project for the future.
“They were extremely happy to join forces and to have this possibility to grow up together. And yeah, we felt that it was the right thing to do.”
Alonso’s move though has confused some people given Alpine is enjoying a strong season, currently fighting McLaren for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
In comparison, Aston Martin sits ninth, but the 41-year-old isn’t interested in their current form.
“There are some risks, in every decision you make in Formula 1,” Alonso conceded. “No one has the crystal ball to guess the future. At the same time, in Formula 1 or in any sport, you win or you don’t.
“Doesn’t matter being fourth or ninth or 13th. You are first, or you are not winning. And I think all the Formula 1 teams and drivers, we are here to be on that top spot.
“I felt that within the possibilities that I had on the table for next year, I think this one [Aston] was the right one, and as I said the project has some ingredients for the future that in Formula 1 normally are synonymous with success – when you invest, and you have the best people.
“Let’s see if we can shortcut that time as much as possible, and make Aston Martin very fast next year already.”