Fernando Alonso signs multiyear deal with Aston Martin to replace Sebastian Vettel

A Formula 1 world champion has left fans speechless after announcing his bombshell news to change teams for the 2023 season.

Fernando Alonso is joining Aston Martin. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

Fernando Alonso continues to prove Father Time wrong after it was announced he would be taking Sebastian Vettel’s seat at Aston Martin.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock after Alonso was named as the man to take the former champion’s place.

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The two-time champion announced a multiyear deal, starting in 2023, with hopes he could once again climb the drivers standings.

“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,” he said. “I have known Lawrence [Stroll] and Lance [Stroll] 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 1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”

Fernando and Seb back in the day. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Alonso, currently with Alpine, had indicated his intentions to remain with the French team, however it was reported they would only be offering the 41-year-old a one-year deal.

After returning to the grid last season, Alonso still holds out hope of capturing a third world title and will look to now achieve that goal in the Aston Martin.

“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed,” he said. “I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”

Alonso won back-to-back Formula 1 world championships in 2005 and 2006 behind the wheel of the Renault.

He currently sits 10th on the 2022 standings with 41 points to his name.

NEWS: @AstonMartinF1 announces Fernando Alonso for 2023.

We are delighted to confirm that two-time #F1 World Champion @alo_oficial will join the team from next season on a multi-year contract.

Tap below to read more. ⬇️#WeClimbTogether

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2022

Vettel had passed along his submission for who his replacement should be, indicating he wanted to see Mick Schumacher take his place.

Mick, who is out of contract with Haas at the end of this year, scored his first points finish in Formula One at the British Grand Prix earlier this month and followed it with another strong finish in Austria.

Alonso’s move however opens a door for young Aussie Oscar Piastri to take his place at Alpine alongside Esteban Ocon.

Alonso's move to Aston Martin in 2023 alongside Stroll paves the way for Oscar Piastri to replace him at Alpine partnering Ocon. With Piastri set to be off the market, this should hopefully ease pressure on Daniel Ricciardo - not that he had any intention of going anywhere #F1

— Lawrence Barretto (@lawrobarretto) August 1, 2022