Alonso to replace Vettel at Aston Martin

VACANCY IS, VACANCY IS CLOSED

The vacant seat at Aston Martin did not last long. After the announcement by Sebastian Vettel of the decision to end his career, the transition of Alonso to the team looked like the most likely solution. Lawrence Stroll was looking for an experienced driver as Vettel’s successor. And there is no more experienced Alonso from the current pilots.

In the second half of the season, Alonso will surpass Kimi Raikkonen’s record for the number of Grand Prix held. And since the agreement with Aston Martin is designed for several years, we may well see the first racer in history, who will have more than 400 races in Formula 1 on his account. At Aston Martin, Alonso will meet Martin Whitmarsh, with whom the Spaniard worked at McLaren in 2007. They will have something to talk about.

Co-pilot Aston Martin Lance Stroll needs an experienced mentor, and the team needs a driver who knows what to do and how to make progress. Ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship does not meet the ambitions of Stroll Sr., who bought the legendary brand. On the other hand, Vettel is also an experienced racer, did this help the green car go faster? No. Can Alonso create a miracle? Let’s see.

ALONSO: I STILL WANT TO WIN

Alonso last won in Spain in 2013, when he was still with Ferrari. Yes, there were breaks, yes, the speed of Alpin cannot be compared with Red Bull or Mercedes. But last year Alpin teammate Esteban Okon won in Hungary. There was an opportunity and they took advantage of it.

“I have a desire to compete for the top places, I want to be part of an organization that is committed to learning, growing and succeeding. We all understand that much remains to be done to come to the fore, and that we must put all our energy into working together to achieve results. I intend to win again, and therefore I must use the opportunities that seem right to me, ”Alonso was quoted by the press service of Aston Martin.

And one more quote: “I want to win, there is no secret in this. I want to race not to be outside the top ten, my goal is to win.” These are the words Vettel said in his May interview AFP. Find the differences?

With all the cynicism of the assumption, but Aston Martin can be a wicket for the retirement of another world champion.

PIASTRI IS WAITING IN “ALPIN”

Alonso’s transition raises the next question – who will take his place? It is more likely that the champion of Formula 3 and Formula 2, the reserve driver of Alpin, Australian Oscar Piastri, waited for his chance. His transition to the “royal race” was expected for a long time. Moreover, the 21-year-old racer proved with his results that he deserves such a chance.

Everything would be fine, but there are rumors in the paddock that Piastri is being looked at at McLaren. Daniel Ricciardo cannot get involved in the fight in any way to help the team in the fight against Alpin. And the score in the personal confrontation of partners 76-19 in favor of Norris looks simply devastating for a more experienced Australian.

And further. Rumors send Piastri to Williams. With Albon’s contract ending this year, Latifi’s future is even more murky (even with a better time in third practice in Hungary). In any case, it seems that Piastri’s debut will take place, but where and when is an open question.