Aston Martin has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will join the team from the 2023 Formula 1 season, as Sebastian Vettel confirms retirement.
The shock move was confirmed on Monday morning, and Aston Martin says Alonso has signed a “multi-year deal” to race for them.
The two-time world champion, who currently drives for Alpine, will fill the seat of fellow title-winner Sebastian Vettel after the German announced his retirement.
Aston Martin hailed the signing as “a clear statement of intent” as they look to build a winning team – and will partner Lance Stroll, son of the team’s owner, Lawrence Stroll.
“This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is, therefore, one of the most exciting teams in Formula One today,” said Alonso.
“I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One.
“I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone.
“No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”
Alonso last won a race in 2012 but has shown his true racing form since returning to F1 two years ago with the French outfit – Alpine.
He added: “I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.
“We all appreciate that there is much to be done to get to the front and that we must apply all our energies in working together to find performance.
“The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convince me to maintain my enjoyment and commitment to the sport. I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”
Speaking about their latest signing, Lawrence Stroll said: “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me.
“I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organisation to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.
“It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and we very quickly established in our recent conversations that we have the same ambitions and values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our desire to work together.”
