Not by expected is the continuity of Fernando Alonso. The Asturian and the team Alpine have officially confirmed the extension of the Spanish contract until the end of 2022, the year in which the French team wants to set the tone.
Fernando Alonso advances “big news” with a strange coded tweet
The announcement was scheduled for this Wednesday, and a press conference of Laurent rossi (CEO of Alpine) which led to anticipate that the communiqué would be launched shortly. However, it was Alonso himself with his mysterious coded tweet who advanced that it was going to be this Thursday.
.@Alo_Oficial 🤝 Alpine F1 Team
Continuing the journey for 2022. Read the full announcement below 🔗# Alonso2022 #BelgianGP
– Alpine F1 Team (@ AlpineF1Team) August 26, 2021
“I am very happy to confirm the extension of my contract with Alpine F1 Team in 2022. I felt at home as soon as I returned to the team, where I was welcomed with open arms. It is a pleasure to be working again with people who are among the brightest in our sport at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, “stated Fernando Alonso.”This season is tough for everyone, but we have collectively made great strides and the result from Hungary is a good example of that.. We want to experience more positive moments this season, but also next year with the regulatory changes foreseen in Formula 1 “, continued the Spanish driver.” I am very much in favor of more equitable rules and new developments in the discipline, so the season 2022 represents a golden opportunity. I look forward to the continuation of the year, as well as representing Alpine alongside Esteban in 2022. “
The entry of the new regulations will (in theory) shuffle the order of the cars on the grid, which gives all teams a chance. The good work of Alpine during this 2021, in which they have already achieved a victory (that of Esteban Ocon in Hungary), and the Good prospects about the new 2022 car have convinced Alonso (and the team) to activate the renewal clause that he had already foreseen in his contract when he returned to Formula 1.
The future of Fernando Alonso: first the new Formula 1, then the return to Le Mans and the dream of Indianapolis
At the age of 40, Alonso is in full power. Although he does not lose sight of what happens outside the Great Circus and plans to try again in Indianapolis, Le Mans and possibly the Dakar, his great goal is the same one he has pursued for 15 years: win his third Formula 1 world championship. After his fruitless steps through Mclaren in 2007 and later by Ferrari, with whom he touched on several occasions, is clear that the arrival of the new regulations may be the key moment to achieve it.
Alpine bets on Alonso’s short-term veterancy and on Esteban Ocon for the future, whose renewal until 2024 (two years more than the Spanish one) invites us to think about a project for years. Once the 2022 campaign is over, depending on the result, Alonso will decide what to do, with the attractive anniversary of the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2023 and Alpine ready to mount it.
On his return to Formula 1, and after a somewhat hesitant start, in the first eleven races he has added 38 points (one less than Ocon) and is currently in 11th position, with the last six races in the top ten .