Massa very doubtful about Alonso move: 'Not really interesting'

Felipe Massa is having trouble understanding why Fernando Alonso is joining Aston Martin next season. According to the former Formula One driver, at first glance it would have been better for the Spaniard to stay at Alpine, he tells Sky Sports.

The British racing team announced on Monday that Alonso will succeed Sebastian Vettel, who will quit Aston Martin next season. Although it offers Alonso the chance to drive in Formula 1 for a few more seasons, Massa thinks it could end badly for him.

"I think Aston Martin has a lot to gain with Fernando there, don’t know if Fernando has a lot to gain by being there with Aston Martin in my view," Massa judged in the interview with the English medium. "The most important thing for Fernando is to have a competitive car in order to show what he is able to [do]."

With Aston Martin competing for the last places on the grid this season, there seems little chance that the stable will suddenly be able to compete for prizes in 2023. It, therefore, looks like Alonso will have to fight for the points. "This I don’t think will be really interesting for him," Massa said.

Alpine hoped to recruit Oscar Piastri after the news of Alonso's departure, but the driver said he knew nothing and refused to join the French team. The team itself says it is confident it can hold Piastri to his contract and that he will sit alongside Esteban Ocon next calendar year.