With so much unfolding in the F1 driver’s market, let’s look back at one of the early decisions that set up a frenzy in the F1 world. It all began when Alpine’s Fernando Alonso announced he would join Aston Martin for the 2023 F1 season, replacing Sebastian Vettel. The transfer news stunned the whole paddock, including Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer. He admitted to being blindsided by the news of losing the two-time world champion from his ranks.
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After the dust has settled on the Aston Martin move, the contract details of the new partnership have emerged. The 41-year-old racing driver received a multi-year deal which has no referrals as a future ambassador of the brand or other golden destinations, the only object is to be a driver in the highest category. The estimated salary is around $20 million. (translated using google)
⚠️ | Fernando Alonso can reportedly leave Aston Martin at any time if he is not satisfied with the progress made.
[https://t.co/96MoAU7Wwd]— F24 (@Formula24hrs) August 2, 2022
The most noteworthy clause of the contract is the freedom to leave the team via exit clauses if performances are not satisfactory. For many years, the Silverstone outfit has talked a big game to win races consistently but has failed to back its words. On the back of it, if Aston Martin cannot deliver a fast race car for Alonso, then he can walk away with no obligations.
READ MORE: Fernando Alonso Savagely Left Alpine Blindsided With Sudden Aston Martin F1 Move
This reminds us of another F1 champion with an exit clause in his contract. Red Bull protégé, Max Verstappen, contracted until the end of 2028, has the same clause in his agreement.
How Fernando Alonso is a perfect fit for Aston Martin?
At the French GP, Alonso broke the world record for most laps in Formula 1 by completing 18,672 laps since his debut. The following weekend, he completed another 70 laps at the Hungaroring to extend his tally. This is a point that showcases his invaluable experience, exactly what an up-and-coming team requires to develop and rise to the summit.
All the teams Fernando Alonso has raced for in F1 🤯
What do you think of his move to Aston Martin? 💭#F1 #Alonso #Autosport pic.twitter.com/XoJ5xKYfKq
— Autosport (@autosport) August 1, 2022
In 2021, the Racing Point team rebranded into the Aston Martin, following the investment from Lawrence Stroll. From the get-go, the Canadian billionaire has talked about fighting at the top of the grid but has failed to reach his ambitions. The addition of a 32-time Grand Prix winner can help him realize his goals.
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Moreover, the Catalan and the Canadian have a long-term relationship. Stroll opined on it and said, “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me. I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organisation to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.”
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“It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and we very quickly established in our recent conversations that we have the same ambitions and values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our desire to work together.”
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The British racing stable has no junior academy, which means Alonso’s position is free of any threat from a junior driver coming through. He will pair up with Lance Stroll to form the 2023 driver lineup at Aston Martin. Do you think this is the right career choice for the former world champion?
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