Alonso positively surprised by Mercedes engine: 'I'm not used to that'

Fernando Alonso was able to make his first metres for Aston Martin in Abu Dhabi, which pleased him. The Spaniard particularly likes the Mercedes engine, after all the drop-outs this season at Alpine.

Alonso will make the switch to Aston Martin in 2023 where, unlike at Alpine, he could sign a multi-year deal. At 41, Alonso may be the oldest driver in the paddock, but he is not thinking of quitting at the moment.

Alonso happy with Aston Martin

After the first test for Aston Martin at the Yas Marina Circuit, according to Sport1.de that he considers it an honour to drive for such an iconic brand and that a first day for a new team is always special. Alonso cannot yet be seen in the British marque's colours, as his contract with Alpine officially runs until the end of this year. So he did the test in a neutral suit.

In Abu Dhabi, Alonso also could not resist giving a little sneer to Alpine. ''When they told me the mileage of the engine, I was a bit worried. Because I said this number is a bit high compared to my standards (at Alpine). The engine is definitely outstanding,'' Alonso shares the compliments in advance.

The sneer is not unexpected, as in 2022 Alonso dropped out particularly often due to problems with his Renault engine. Team-mate Esteban Ocon seemed to suffer from this less frequently and that too irritated Alonso. In Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard dropped out again, again losing precious points and ending the season in style.