Fernando Alonso is on the move again. The veteran Formula 1 driver will join the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team, having signed a multi-year contract that begins next season.
Alonso’s move comes days after Sebastian Vettel, one of the team’s current drivers, announced he will retire at the end of this season.
Alonso, who turned 41 on Friday, currently drives for the Alpine Formula 1 operation.
“This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today,” Alonso said. “I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1.
“I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone. No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”
“I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me,” said Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll. “I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organization to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.
“It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and we very quickly established in our recent conversations that we have the same ambitions and values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our desire to work together.”
Alonso is a two-time Formula 1 world champion with 32 career victories.