Alonso believes in Aston Martin chances: 'Third title possible one day'

Fernando Alonso said goodbye to Alpine on Sunday at the last race of the season. The Spaniard will leave next year for Aston Martin, the team that also did not have a too good season in 2022. Yet Alonso still believes in his third world title.

Alonso will begin a new challenge with the Aston Martin team in 2023, replacing the retired Sebastian Vettel. The Spaniard took a break from F1 in 2019 and 2020 before returning with Alpine in 2021. He believes he ended his time with the French team in the best shape of his career.

"The last few races [of the season], like Mexico or Austin or Brazil, I think I am closer to the level of 2012 or 2010 or whatever than last year when I was not in control of everything," Alonso is quoted by the BBC. The Spaniard was not 100 per cent confident in his car or in his comeback.

Alonso believes in third world title with Aston Martin

Alonso will be in action in the Aston Martin car for the first time during the test day at the Yas Marina circuit on Tuesday. The Spaniard believes in the chances of his new team, which finished only seventh in the constructors' championship. "I only continue because I believe we will have a chance. Next year to close the gap is unrealistic, but we need to put the baseline for future cars and to work better than the people around us."

The last time Alonso won a race was in 2013. The Spaniard believes he can return to the top with Aston Martin. "Ultimately winning the championship is what motivates me every day so [I am] still thinking the third [title] will be possible one day." Alonso does remain realistic and knows it is unlikely to happen next year, but Aston Martin's plan brings the 41-year-old driver hope for the future.