Alonso disappointed with Alpine: 'Szafnauer underestimated me'

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has given his opinion on the state of affairs at Alpine. It is turbulent at the top of the French team, where it was announced during the race weekend at Spa that team boss Otmar Szafnauer, among others, would be sacked. In an extensive interview with the BBC, Alonso looks back on his time at Alpine and lashes out at management.

After a brief period without Formula 1, Fernando Alonso returned to the Alpine team in 2021. The Spaniard also drove for the team in the following year, and for a long time, it looked like Alonso would extend his contract. However, he surprised everyone by signing with Aston Martin for 2023. Alonso reveals in the interview that the way he was managed contributed to his departure.

Troubled contract talks with Alpine

"It was just on a very slow pace, and it was not from my side. I was just ready and happy. The 2022 car was a fast car, so I was also happy with the performance and the possibilities into the future," Alonso begins. Alonso also indicates that because of the slow pace and way of negotiating, the door was opened for other teams. Lawrence Stroll seized his chance and offered Alonso a contract for 2023. In the Aston Martin, the now 42-year-old Spaniard managed to impress immediately, especially in the first eight races.

According to Alonso, former team boss Otmar Szafnauer also had a part in this. "It is the way they do things. Or the way Otmar does things. Because after this year, he should be quiet. He should not talk at all," said Alonso, referring to the French team's disappointing results. Asked if Alpine underestimated the Spaniard, Alonso is adamant: "100%, and they still do. I did so many things for Renault as well. You take a little bit personally when someone is doubting your performance or your age or these kinds of things."