Fernando Alonso has officially confirmed he will remain with Alpine in Formula 1 for 2022.

The double world champion was always expected to spend at least two years with the former Renault team after making his comeback to the grid this season.

But that second year still required Alpine to formally activate an option to continue in Alonso's contract, which was done ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

“I’m very happy to confirm the contract extension with Alpine F1 Team into 2022," commented the Spaniard. "I felt at home the moment I returned to this team and have been welcomed back with open arms.

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"It is a pleasure to work again with some of the brightest minds in our sport at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon. It’s been a tricky season for everyone, but we’ve shown progress as a team and the result in Hungary (where Esteban Ocon claimed victory) serves as a good example of this progression."

Alonso's comeback has always been geared towards preparing for next year and the chance to move up the competitive order when brand new cars are introduced.

"We’re targeting more positive memories for the rest of this season but also crucially from next year onwards with the new regulation changes coming into Formula 1," the 40-year-old continued.

"I have been a big supporter of the need for a level playing field and change in the sport and the 2022 season will be a great opportunity for that. I am looking forward to the rest of this year and racing alongside Esteban in 2022 for Alpine.”

Despite a few question marks over Alonso's attitude before the start of the season, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi was also more than happy by the impact he has made at the team.  

“We are very pleased to confirm Fernando for next season, partnering with Esteban," he said.

For us, it is a perfect driver line-up, amongst the strongest on the grid. It works in a hugely complementary way, with both offering raw talent and speed, yet impeccable team spirit that delivered our first win in Hungary.

"Fernando has impressed us all since he returned to the sport at the beginning of this year. His dedication, teamwork and focus to extract the maximum from the team is incredible to be a part of and certainly special to witness. His performance in Hungary was another example of his racing pedigree and reminded everyone how skilled a driver he is.

"I am convinced we can benefit strongly from Fernando’s insight and experience as we enter the final development and optimization phase of the 2022 chassis and power unit," Rossi added. "He is just as hungry as we are for success and is putting in every effort to translate it to performance.

"For now, however, we need to focus on delivering a strong second half of the year, extract the maximum at every race and ensure we finish as high up in the constructors’ standings as possible. This will put us in a golden position for next year and the significant opportunity it brings.”