Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has suggested that Fernando Alonso grew impatient with Alpine’s indecision as to whether to commit to him or Oscar Piastri.
Aston Martin confirmed earlier this week that Alonso will be moving to the team to replace Sebastian Vettel after the German announced his retirement ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
It was previously understood that the Spaniard had been negotiating with Alpine about a new deal that would see him extend his stay beyond the end of this year.
However, they were unsure of how long a contract to give him due to their eagerness to get reserve driver Oscar Piastri into the sport.
The current Formula 2 champion is without a drive this season, and the French side have been trying to secure him a loan move for next year, but have thus far been unsuccessful.
READ: Ex-F1 driver claims Daniel Ricciardo will move to Haas as ‘silly season’ kicks off
They therefore waited to give Alonso a new deal in case they wanted to get Piastri in their car, and Alonso became tired of the lack of commitment being shown towards him, so he signed for Aston Martin instead.
Piastri has since affirmed that he has no interest in signing for Alpine, because he too was essentially being used to speed up Alonso’s decision as to whether to sign a new deal.
In the end, the Enstone side waited too long, and neither driver wants to be a part of the team next season.
This coupled with Esteban Ocon’s aggressive defence at times this season, might have nudged Alonso out the door.
“The timing of his video retirement declaration made even more sense when Fernando Alonso was surprisingly announced as taking his seat on Monday morning,” explained Brundle in his Sky Sports column.
“It appears that Alpine couldn’t or wouldn’t offer Alonso a two-year deal, and his Aston Martin deal is officially described as multi-year.
“He’s also been fairly underwhelmed at how punchy his teammate Esteban Ocon has been towards him in combat at Alpine rather than turning all their guns on their rivals.”
The Briton predicts that Alonso’s no-nonsense approach might clash with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll’s own temperament.
“Fernando is a force of nature on and off the track and he will push the team very hard,” added Brunde.
“He’s mellowed a little these days but there could easily be fireworks as he joins the Stroll family ‘firm’.”
Brundle, to this day, cannot believe the longevity of Alonso’s career, during which he has won two championships, 32 races and is still one of the best on the grid.
READ: McLaren and Alpine stuck in ‘legal limbo’
“I remember interviewing Fernando on the 2018 Abu Dhabi grid and he was very convincing that it really was the end of his F1 career,” he stated.
“But now he’ll be on the grid until at least the end of 2024 at the age of 43 and with 400 F1 races under his right foot. Extraordinary.”
Alonso is rumoured to have signed a deal with Aston Martin that keeps him there until the end of 2025.