With 346 race starts under his belt, Fernando Alonso is currently the most experienced F1 driver on the grid. Naturally, this also makes him one of the most sought-after drivers in the sport. Knowing this, Alpine signed the Spaniard in 2021. However, after a two-year stint, Alonso announced dropping the blue and pink colors as he fancied something more green for his future.

The retirement decision of the four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, dumbfounded the F1 world but paved the way for the two-time world champion to sign for Aston Martin. The Silverstone outfit wasted no time in swooping the F1 veteran, who was out of contract at the end of the season.

Alonso jumping ship caught the F1 paddock out of the blue, and many speculated the move to be in the interest of financial benefits in the sport where ‘Cash is king’.

In the F1 nation podcast, Damon Hill opined on the Spaniard’s astounding career decision.

He said, “I was very surprised that he had gone to Aston Martin, you know obviously when Seb went, it was an opening.., but the kind of guy, Fernando Alonso is and kind of guy, Lawrence Stroll is, and the ambitions they have for the team… I just can’t see, I mean why would you want to end your… I mean let’s be honest, Fernando has to going to have to retire eventually.”

“So it’s possibly the last team he would possibly be with. You don’t want to be with a team that is struggling and having frustrations, either he has been convinced that there is some massive turnaround that is going to take place, it can’t be the money, I just can’t believe that he will just do it for the money, I can’t.” Hill added.

READ MORE: 41-Year Old Fernando Alonso Is Here to Stay in F1

Why did Fernando Alonso choose Aston Martin for his future?

In 2021, the Racing point saw itself re-branded into Aston Martin as the garage color scheme changed from pink to green. The Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll invested heavily in the racing team by taking on long-term projects for the team’s development. Since day one, Stroll is adamant about fighting at the top of the grid, rather than being a backmarker.

Presently, the team is operating on a 5-year-plan that features a factory and a wind tunnel under construction in the background, making them a serious potential threat for the future. As a result, signing a driver who brings invaluable intel was an easy decision for them.

At the French GP, Alonso clinched the all-time record for laps completed in Formula 1, passing Kimi Raikkonen’s mark of 18,621. In the official press release, the 41-year-old commented on his decision of partnering with Aston Martin.

He said, “This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula One today.”

“I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One.

“I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone.

“No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”

Watch This Story: Rare 12-Year-Old Image of 2023 Aston Martin Lineup Surfaces as Fernando Alonso Announces Bizarre Shift

Do you think Fernando Alonso will change Aston Martin’s fortune in F1? Let us know.