Alpine has praised Fernando Alonso following the news he will leave for Aston Martin in 2023.
On Monday, the Silverstone-based team surprised Formula 1 by announcing the signing of the double world champion on a multi-year deal to replace Sebastian Vettel.
This comes just days after Alonso had said staying at Alpine was his “priority” ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend.
Responding to his departure, Alpine said in a statement: “We wish Fernando the best for his future in Formula 1.
Also Read:
- Alonso joins ‘one of F1’s most exciting teams’ in Aston Martin for 2023
- Alonso: ‘Very predictable’ F1 still ‘too boring’ despite ‘more fun’ races
“Fernando has always been, and always will be, part of the Renault and Alpine family and we’re proud and privileged to have shared so many on-track moments together.
“We look forward to finishing the remainder of the 2022 season with Fernando in blue, and we’ll keep pushing to the maximum until the final lap in November.
“The team will announce its driver line-up for the 2023 Formula 1 season in due course.”
It is highly likely Alpine will turn to reserve driver and current F2 champion Oscar Piastri to fill the seat alongside Esteban Ocon next season.
The Australian had been previously linked to Williams and McLaren but is a natural choice to step up to F1 with the team he has been affiliated with since 2020.