Aston Martin boss draws Sebastian Vettel Fernando Alonso comparison

Alpine

Aston Martin boss draws Vettel Alonso comparison

Szafnauer sees similarities in work ethic

Ian Parkes & Topher Smith

Thursday 24 March 2022 16:15

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has likened current driver Fernando Alonso to his former in Sebastian Vettel, claiming the F1 champions leave "no stone unturned" in getting the most out of the car.

Szafnauer's new role with Alpine has seen him start a working relationship with two-time title-winner Alonso after previously working with Aston Martin where four-time champion Vettel raced under his guidance.

Identifying the similarities between the two drivers, Szafnauer claims their work ethic is what makes the sport.

“What I like about Fernando is, like all world champions, he really pushes," said Szafnauer.

"Like Vettel, [it is a] no-stone-unturned performance. I like that, that’s what racing should be about.

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“The other thing he is really good at is getting a lap in instantly. I haven’t seen anyone go from ‘Let me just do an out lap to boom!'

"Then you think ‘Wow! That’s happened', and then the next one 'I’m going to go half a second quicker’. He gets there like that. I haven’t seen that from many drivers.”

BWT "a good fit" with Alpine

Szafnauer joined the Alpine outfit at the same time as BWT was introduced as a title sponsor, with the team boss believing the partnership is crucial and beneficial to the team.

“I know Andreas [Weissenbacher, founder and CEO] well," added Szafnauer. "I know what he likes to get out of Formula 1.

"What he wants to get out of Formula 1 for his brand is not at odds with what this team does. It’s a good fit.

“Andreas likes certain things and we can give them to him. Why not keep a good sponsor like that that makes good products and is all about sustainability in the sport?”