F1
Alpine learned of Alonso's departure on the day of the Aston Martin announcement
The surprise is total for Otmar Szafnauer, at least that's what he says. © DPPI / J. Delfosse
The 2022 summer vacation is starting in the worst possible way for Otmar Szafnauer. The main team ofAlpine en Formula 1 fell out of his chair upon learning Monday August 1st in the morning the departure of its driver Fernando Alonso to Aston Martin at the end of this season.
The Romanian-American leader explained to a small committee of media this Tuesday August 2 his surprise at the shock announcement of the double world champion, who will replace Sebastian Vettel among the Greens in 2023 and for several years. “The first confirmation (of his departure. Ed.) was the press release (fromAston Martin), he revealed. I asked the question (To Alonso, during the Hungarian GP the previous weekend. Editor’s note). He replied: “No, no, I haven’t signed anything with Aston Martin. » So, I was somewhat surprised. »
Who will replace Fernando Alonso at Alpine ? ©DPPI/A. Vincent
The former main team of Racing Point was not fooled, however, and clearly saw the exchanges in the paddock between the Spaniard and Lawrence Stroll these last weeks. “Obviously when you walk around the paddock you hear all kinds of rumours, and I had this rumor that Aston was interested (by Alonso).
Once you hear that, there are certainly discussions that took place... But I remained confident that, despite these exchanges, we were very close." to extend the lease with the Asturian at Alpine for 2023, with a clause of one additional year for 2024.
“We spoke with Fernando, explaining the situation to him: “If next year, at this same time, you provide performances at the same level, of course we will keep you””, he explained to the invited media including Reuters.
But Otmar Szafnauer should have been wary of the still water! “I think he wanted more guarantees beyond performance. “I want to stay more,” he said. »
However, to what extent can we believe Otmar Szafnauer's words? At the end of 2021, it was the most complete surprise whenCARhebdo had anticipated his arrival with the Blues. The Managing Director of Aston Martin explained at a press conference that he was unaware of the existence of our magazine. Before the information was made official a few months later.
ALSO READ > Is Alonso making a good choice by leaving Alpine for Aston Martin?
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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02/08/2022 at 03:38 a.m.
What an environment of hypocritical sharks and false asses lured by dollars!!