Until Fernando Alonso debuted with Aston Martin, the choice of Spanish was incessantly questioned. Settled in Alpine after his return to Formula 1, the two-time champion was going to set out for one of the least performing teams on the grid. So I trust words and about a year after that decision, it can be said that it was the right one. the asturian he needed the confidence of the Enstone factory and failing that, he obtained a change of scenery that came from the unsatisfactory proposal of the French.
Alonso wanted with us more time and a contract of a longer duration than the one we offered. I think that Aston Martin offered him a longer-term contract, He thought it was the best and signed with them,” he explained. Otmar Szafnauer, Alpine crew chief Beyond The Grid, about how events happened during the renewal process of the Asturian. The perspective was different from the rider’s position: “I had no offer from Alpine. If I had had an offer from Alpine at the beginning of the year I would have signed it, but I only had an offer (Aston Martin’s) and I accepted it.”
Despite the fact that the positions of how this march happened never coincided, from Alpine they recognize that they do not hold a grudge against the Asturian. “Vettel triggered the market by retiring. For me Fernando was a free agent at that time and he had the freedom to sign with us or with any other team”, Szafnauer continued explaining about the departure of a pilot with whom there is hardly any relationship:“If the case arises and we run into each other, I talk to Fernando, but not much happens. We are no longer on the same team. Another one that I have seen is Flavio Briatore, he has been in some races this year and I have also spoken with him. There are no grudges.”
The Romanian manager makes it clear that Alonso is part of the team and although he acknowledges that “Fernando’s experience is worth a lot”, he opts for the duo they have in the garage with Ocon and Gasly: ”Now we have two young drivers, fast and experienced. They are not world champions and Fernando is, so we might think that he knows how to win titles, but Esteban and Pierre have won races and I am happy with the contribution of both”. In Enstone they are satisfied with what they have at home and assure that they do not regret the decision. “Fernando is doing a great job at Aston Martin and he has been on the podium a few times”, admits Otmar, but does not look back: “Theories of what would have happened do not work with me”.