Alonso reveals what makes Aston Martin DIFFERENT to any other challenge
Alonso reveals what makes Aston Martin DIFFERENT to any other challenge
Fernando Alonso is about to embark on his 21st season as an F1 driver at 41 years old but this campaign feels different from any that have gone before.
The Spaniard has joined Aston Martin, a team looking to take the next step towards becoming a championship contender in future, and which has the financial wherewithal to match its ambition.
Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll, Lance's dad, raised £250 million through a bond issue to pay for the expansion of the team's factory, proving they have the means to be cute when needed.
Then, last July, it secured over £650 million in investment from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund – owner of the world's largest oil company and chief sponsor Aramco – as it bought a large stake in the team in what the Canadian multimillionaire called "a game changing event for Aston Martin that aligns with our strategic plans and accommodates our long-term growth".
Since then, Alonso has replaced Sebastian Vettel as the team's lead driver and it is clear the Oviedo-native is energised by the latest – and what may be the final –challenge of his storied career.
"I feel like everyone is 100! There is no one person in the team that is 90, you know, we are all ready and this feels different than [my] previous experiences," said the two-time world champion at the launch of the AMR23 on Monday.
"It is different. I feel like the team is going through [the] process of becoming a big team in the near future. I think from previous names in the team and things like that, now [it] is year three of Aston Martin and I think you feel that progress in the team."
Alonso points to the fact that a new factory and wind tunnel are on the horizon and the hires of technical director Dan Fallows and his deputy, Eric Blandin, as evidence of the team's ambition to move forward.
"There are more people around in the factory, new people that came last year. Dan (Fallows), Eric (Blandin). I think there is this new energy on the team, new factory coming, new car, new driver joining the team. There are a lot of new things, but setting some good things for the future," he told F1.com.
“It’s cool”
— GPFans Global (@GPFansGlobal) February 13, 2023
First reactions to the AMR23 pic.twitter.com/SJKUTBL2lM
Even though he is a new hire for this season, it already feels like Alonso is keen to be part of the furniture with his new team and he has not hesitated to get involved.
“It has been quite amazing to be honest," he said. "The last few months we have been in contact. From January I have been here in the factory. Some simulator sessions, meeting new people and visiting the new facilities that will be ready soon.
"To write the next chapter in the brand's history and become part of the Aston Martin family makes me very proud.”
Can Aston Martin stint cap off Alonso's career?
Having not won a world title since back-to-back glory in 2005 and 2006, the fire inside seemingly burns brighter than ever and if Aston Martin can become competitive, it would provide a fitting finale to Alonso's legacy.
"Whatever you do in life, you have to have this competitiveness inside you – you have to have this hunger to be the best," Alonso said..
“I've had this hunger since I was a kid. I'm always trying to beat everyone at anything I do. Whether it's a race, a tennis match, a card game, or whatever, it's about winning. It's about taking advantage of your strengths and using your opponent's weaknesses against them.
“This is a very special opportunity for me with this team at this moment in my career. I've been preparing physically and mentally for this challenge, and I see this project as a winning one. Making that time as short as possible, this is my biggest challenge – but I'm ready for it.”
READ MORE: Alonso has say on Schumacher GOAT debate
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 2025 Driver Lineup: Big names on the move as half the grid reshuffles for next season
- 43 minutes ago
Haas announce Hulkenberg EXIT as F1 star's new team confirmed
- Today 11:27
F1 champion claims Drive to Survive success was 'very lucky'
- 3 hours ago
F1 franchise welcomes return of INCREDIBLE feature
- Today 12:59
F1 News Today: Red Bull star set to QUIT team as F1 driver role CONFIRMED for 2025
- Today 12:38
F1 team set to axe BOTH star drivers
- Today 12:05
Related news
Alonso and Taylor Swift rumours reignited by new album lyric
F1 star PENALISED following controversial Chinese GP incident
Alonso hints at F1 retirement date after historic contract
Alonso takes CHEEKY dig at Hamilton after signing F1 contract
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860