In an interview, Alonso looks back on his time at Aston Martin and criticizes Otmar Szafnauer

Last summer, when Fernando Alonso signed a contract with Aston Martin, everyone was shouting about yet another bad career choice. However, the Silverstone team surprised everyone in 2023 by establishing themselves as a top-tier team, allowing the Spaniard to achieve 6 podium finishes. After a strong start to the season but a decline in performance in recent Grand Prix races, Alonso revisited his time at Aston Martin in an interview with the BBC. He didn’t miss the opportunity to comment on his public image as the “villain” in Formula 1 and took a direct swipe at his former team principal at Alpine.

At Aston Martin

The choice was the right one. By leaving Alpine, his lifelong family, Fernando Alonso was able to express his full potential, at the age of 42. With 6 podium finishes and notably a great second place in Monaco, the Spanish veteran demonstrates that he still has all the qualities to win in Formula 1. The driver with the most Grand Prix starts says he is happy with this new chapter in the British team.

« Everyone was delighted that I found a more competitive position. Also for Aston Martin, everyone is happy that a new team is joining the fight. We see a lot of green in the stands. For the old fans who still remember some of the good days, it’s good to prove to them that I can still be fast and enjoy my driving. And for the new fans who may have never seen me on the podium, it’s nice to have this opportunity again,” Alonso said to the BBC.

For the BBC, Fernando Alonso also discussed his relationship with his young teammate Lance Stroll and his role towards him. “I know what my role is. « I try to help the team grow in all areas, and I also try to help Lance with everything I can bring to the team. Because I will race for a few more years, but I don’t know how long – not for very long. And he will keep racing for many more years, and he needs to lead the team in the future. So, I’m happy to help.” »

Furthermore, he mentions a common goal with Aston Martin, which doesn’t lead to generating tension. The aim is clear: to further improve in order to challenge Red Bull and be able to achieve victories. « We are not fighting for the championship. If we were fighting for the championship, there might be less communication or a little more tension between the team or the drivers, but currently, we have very clear objectives and we are working together in that direction », Alonso stated.

The Alpine Episode

However, before this wonderful adventure with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso had to leave Alpine, without a contract for 2023. He looks back on this somewhat unfortunate episode. Yet, from the Spanish driver’s side, the intention was to continue at the wheel of the Alpine. As a reminder, last year, the French car was competitive, more so than this year.

« I don’t think I felt any disrespect. But it is true that it took longer than I expected when we started discussing the contract renewal, I think it was in Australia in April 2022. It was just at a very slow pace, and it wasn’t on my side. I was just prepared and happy. The 2022 car was a fast car, so I was also satisfied with the performance and the possibilities in the future. »

Alonso also targets Omar Szafnauer’s management, the cause of the mishap regarding the renewal of the Spanish driver’s contract at Alpine. His words are scathing: « This is the way they do things. Or the way Otmar does things. Because after this year, he should stay quiet. He shouldn’t speak at all. After Aston Martin’s results and the results he achieves, he still talks and is always proud of his decisions. »

However, Alonso no longer thinks about that difficult period. He is completely focused and dedicated to Aston Martin. He wants to prove to Alpine that age does not hinder performance. And how can you prove him wrong on this point? Otmar Szafnauer did not want to extend Fernando Alonso’s contract due to his advanced age. Now, the Spanish driver wants to prove everyone, including his former team, wrong. « When you give your best every weekend, when I’ve done so much for Renault as well, you take it a bit personally when someone doubts your performance or your age or things like that. And you just want to prove even stronger that you are at the peak of your career. The results speak for themselves, and that’s the best way. » A magnificent revenge for the 42-year-old driver, still at the top of his game.

His image as a “villain”

In an interview with the BBC, Alonso also addressed his image as the “villain” of Formula 1, the one who plays a double game with the teams he works with. He explains that it doesn’t bother him and that you have to have a personality in Formula 1.

« Formula 1 is a great spectacle, both on and off the track. And you need to play a character, you know? Whatever is assigned to you. You must sell the story, you must say who the good guys and the bad guys are. In every race, in every discussion, in every controversy, there are always good guys and villains,” said the Spaniard.

« And people in general, the media or whatever, they always portray me in a negative light. As if I’m doing something wrong or whatever. I feel good. It doesn’t bother me. » With many political maneuvers throughout his career and playing both sides within the teams he’s been in, Fernando Alonso has built this image of a politician, sometimes deceptive. It doesn’t bother him, and the two-time world champion feeds off this reputation to forge his legend in the sport.

For him, the important thing is elsewhere and it’s not at all this public image of himself. « The most important part is that people always want something from you and are always interested in the number of years you have on your contract because they might have an interest in having you drive in the future. »

The future

On his future in Formula 1, Fernando Alonso is quite clear. He doesn’t want to think too much about the future, only about these years. The objective is to continue growing as a team. We are facing obstacles at the moment. Taking the time to build and overcome these obstacles is what Alonso is thinking about. The champion that he is is not yet ready to leave the top category of motor sport, he knows he has one last card to play with Aston Martin in the short term.

« I am happy, but it is obvious that I can still improve. Only the first six months with the team and there is still more to come », he concluded on BBC microphone. For him, age doesn’t matter, only results count. Fernando Alonso is constantly seeking perfection and for that, he is in the right place at Aston Martin.