F1 News
Alonso informed most of Alpine of departure, except his team boss
- GPblog.com
Fernando Alonso sent shock waves through the Formula One paddock when he announced his switch from Alpine to Aston Martin in 2023. For team principal Otmar Szafnauer, the shock was possibly the greatest, especially now that he appears to have been virtually the only team member unaware of the Spaniard's decision.
In the press conference prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, Alonso, who along with Alpine and Oscar Piastri is at the centre of a real soap opera, is in the spotlight. The two-time world champion admits he did not inform his team boss of his intention, but the same cannot be said of some other members of the team.
Everyone at Alpine knew except Szafnauer
"It's true, Otmar probably didn't know anything. But I informed Laurent Rossi, president Luca de Meo, my mechanics and my engineers before any announcement," Alonso explained to Sky Sports, among others. He clarifies that "all the people involved in the negotiations" were informed. "Otmar was not involved in the negotiations," continues the 41-year-old Spaniard.
Alonso adds that he was still happy at Alpine, but that negotiations were not progressing smoothly. When Aston Martin showed interest after the announced departure of Sebastian Vettel, the decision was quickly made. Alonso then decided to make the news public quickly to prevent it from leaking.