Vettel to be replaced by Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin

You could say that one legend is replaced by another. After four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel announced the end of his Formula One career last week, his Aston Martin team came up with the name of his successor on Monday. Fernando Alonso will take the German’s seat.

The Spanish driver is currently defending the Alpine colours, but there has been speculation as to whether the 44-year-old veteran will remain with the French team for next season. It is now clear that this will not be the case.

Aston Martin has announced on its website that the 2005 and 2006 champion has signed a multi-year contract with them. In the 2023 edition he will be a teammate of Lance Stroll, who is the son of the Canadian owner of the British stable Lawrence Stroll.

“I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is clear that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1, ” Alonso said in a statement posted on Aston Martin’s website.

“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learning, developing and succeeding,” the former Minardi, Renault, Ferrari and McLaren team member assures.

The Spaniard is currently in the top ten of the series standings with 41 points. His current team is doing much better in the Constructors’ Cup than his future employer. Alpine is fourth with 99 points, while Aston Martin is ninth to last with 20 points.

But Lawrence Stroll says his entire organisation at Silverstone is working on development, which promises future upward mobility. “So it seemed natural to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team,” the billionaire said.

Source: Aston Martin F1, Formula 1