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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 12: Esteban Ocon of France and Alpine F1 Team and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Alpine F1 Team stand on the grid during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12, 2021 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 12: Esteban Ocon of France and Alpine F1 Team and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Alpine F1 Team stand on the grid during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12, 2021 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
The lion-hearted Fernando Alonso will soon begin a new chapter in his Formula 1 career. The Spaniard will join Aston Martin from the 2023 season onwards. But how does he feel about the new chapter? Well, the man who wears his heart on his sleeves lets the fans, including his teammate, know.
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During the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, the Alpine teammates got on the fans’ stage to answer some questions. Amid all this, the interviewer asked the outgoing Alpine man how he feels leaving the team. Alonso shared his true feelings about the move amidst slight animosity with Esteban Ocon.
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He said, “I will miss being with them, but it’s a new chapter that we all start. Hopefully, we can have a nice competition.”
To Alonso’s reply, Ocon cheekily explained, “He said he’s happy to go!”
The Spaniard, without skipping a beat and with no hesitation, replied, “I’m happy to go!”
He added, “But at the same time, I will be sad. You know the guys and I have a very good friendship between all of us.”
Further, Alonso revealed his expectation with Aston Martin for 2023 as well. “Hopefully next year we go to a more competitive car,” he concluded.
Read More: Alpine Boss Slags Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon After an Embarrassing Incident
We are used to Alonso speaking his mind, and that’s exactly what he did. The Spaniard honestly detailed his feelings towards the team and his expectation for next year. Especially amidst animosity between him and Ocon following the incident in the Brazil GP sprint race.
However, the two behaved and earned the team much-needed points in the race.
The team boss threatened Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon after the collision in Brazil
During the Brazilian GP sprint race, Ocon and Alonso collided twice. This led Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi, to lay down an ultimatum to both drivers.
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Formula One F1 – Canadian Grand Prix – Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada – June 19, 2022 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during the race REUTERS/Christinne Muschi
Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, the CEO revealed, “So I reminded them of that fact and I reminded them of the fact I have plenty of drivers that are longing to race in their place. It would have been a shame to finish the year with two other drivers, even if it costs me a lot. They took heed of their responsibility and they did a brilliant job.”
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Sometimes even experienced drivers and world champions need a talking to which clearly worked. Do you see Alonso and Ocon collide in Abu Dhabi as well? Or do the two cross the line ahead of McLaren in the constructors’ championship?
Written by
Edited by
Ranvijay Singh