Formula 1 - F1 - Current Season Discussion

[sugarbutch]

“I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me,” said Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll.

🤡

 

[Texasmade]

“I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me,” said Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll.

🤡

Well tbf, winning to Lawrence Stroll means making money so I'm sure Alonso is winning in that sense. He's going to make a boatload of money driving around in 16th place.

 

[sugarbutch]

I think Alonso’s been driving at a significantly higher level than Vettel (and Stroll), so I’m not sure the results at Aston reflect the actual pace of the car.

 

[patrick_b]

Watching that heartwarming tribute video to Sebastian Vettel where even Max comes across as sincere and genuine illustrates just how punchable Lance Stroll's face is.

 

[HRoi]

I’m guessing that Alpine refused to give him a multi year contract extension because (a) they want to promote Piastri, (b) Fernando has worn out his welcome as he tends to do, or (c) both

 

[sugarbutch]

Apparently the CEO wanted to shuffle him off to their WEC team for 2024, and he wasn’t down with that. And why should he be? Ocon isn’t at his level, so if they want Piastri there, that’s the seat which should be up for grabs. If I were in their shoes, I might pay Esteban not to drive and put Oscar alongside Alonso.

I am looking forward to Alonso’s first outburst about his AM’s pace next year. The fireworks should be entertaining.

 

[Schwazer]

Great analysis here.

ANALYSIS: Why Alonso accepted Aston Martin’s advances and signed a shock deal – and why it could be a perfect match | Formula 1®

The timing of Aston Martin’s announcement that scooped the prized signing of Fernando Alonso was something of a shock – but the move itself makes a lot of sense, as F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto explains.

www.formula1.com

As previously mentioned:

• Alpine wanted Alonso for their WEC program in 2024
• No team wanted to 'train up' Piastri and lose him after a year.
• Stroll gives Alonso a 2 year deal with an option which gives Aston Martin time to be competitive by 2024. 1 year wouldn't be enough.
• Stroll gets a top name which will bring further endorsements.

Win win for Alonso and Stroll.

🇪🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧

 

[sugarbutch]

I don’t take issue with that analysis (or the other content they publish), but it feels weird for the promoter of the series to be doing “journalism” as well.

 

[edinatlanta]

I don’t take issue with that analysis (or the other content they publish), but it feels weird for the promoter of the series to be doing “journalism” as well.

I mean, is this any different from the NFL Network having insiders or beat writers for a team's website?

 

[yorkshire pud]

I'm disappointed he chose to go to Aston Martin, would have preferred to see him swap drives with Gasly.

 

[edinatlanta]

WHAT ARE THESE TEAMS DOING WTF

 

[sugarbutch]

I mean, is this any different from the NFL Network having insiders or beat writers for a team's website?

I don't go to those sources, either, so, no, it's no different.

 

[zissou]

I'm disappointed he chose to go to Aston Martin, would have preferred to see him swap drives with Gasly.

Isn't AT essentially a junior team for RB? That said, it would indeed be interesting to see that team have a seasoned professional. Alonso is a formidable mid-field driver who still has what it takes to win every once in a while. Races are definitely more interesting with him in it. If he can make some big $$$ by going to AM this late in his career, then hats off to him.

 

[yorkshire pud]

Isn't AT essentially a junior team for RB? That said, it would indeed be interesting to see that team have a seasoned professional. Alonso is a formidable mid-field driver who still has what it takes to win every once in a while. Races are definitely more interesting with him in it. If he can make some big $$$ by going to AM this late in his career, then hats off to him.

Yep, absolutely a Red Bull 'B' team, I just think it would have been great to see Alonso in a benchmarking/coaching role for a feeder team like Alpha Tauri and maybe fighting for the odd podium (and maybe even a RBR super sub if required).

I also really wanted to see Pierre Gasly succeed in a French Team/Renault powered car. And get another crack at the front end of the grid one day.

Aston Martin just seems like a "retirement home" for ex world champions to me, the entire project has fail written all over it, I bet Checo can't believe his luck 😉

 

[Texasmade]

Ferrari probably thanking Alpine for taking the heat off them and stepping into the clown spotlight.