At the end of 2018, Fernando Alonso bowed out of Formula 1. At the time, it felt like a farewell. But what really pinched many Alonso fans was the fact that a driver of his caliber left the sport on a sorry note. After a disastrous stint with McLaren that actually accentuated his problems with Ferrari, too, Alonso supposedly ended his F1 career with a sour taste in his mouth. But he wasn’t done writing his legacy in this sport. And so, he made a sensational comeback in 2021.

It would only make sense for Alonso’s lore in this sport that he made that comeback with Alpine (formerly Renault) with whom he won his two F1 world titles. And the man who was behind making this a reality was none other than the then-team principal of the team, Cyril Abiteboul. When he signed the Spaniard, he proclaimed, “The strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future.” 

Fernando Alonso showered with the highest praise

As Alonso arrived, Abiteboul left. Two years later, Alonso did, too. Now with Aston Martin, the Spaniard is back in reach of regular podiums and a race win here or there. But since orchestrating his return to the sport, what does Abiteboul think of Alonso’s 2023 trajectory?

Naturally, with the heights Alonso has reached this year, he only deserves praise. But Abiteboul went a step further and bestowed him with a prestigious title, too. The Frenchman was quoted as saying, “Fernando needs no introduction. He is probably the most complete driver on earth and it is a joy to see him at the top of Formula 1 again.”

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While Alonso has been impressing in the AMR23, can the most complete driver ever get his hands on that elusive 3rd world title?

Alonso explains Aston Martin’s El Plan

Currently, with how the AMR23 is performing, and the caliber of the driver strapped into it, hopes are naturally high for a championship fight. But the 41-years-young Fernando Alonso is quick to shut anyone down who tries to insinuate immediate glory.

He tells Formula1.com,“I think this 2023 campaign is just about getting better, getting to know the car better, start a new project from day one, and that’s where we are at the moment. Hopefully we have more podiums, hopefully we fight for race wins, but I think to fight for the championship, we need to set the team a little bit before doing that.”

That being said, his sights are still firmly set on that elusive 3rd WDC trophy. “Always I believe it’s possible, that’s why I keep racing,” said the Spaniard about his chances of winning a 3rd F1 title.

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Can Aston Martin provide Alonso with capable machinery to get to the very top of F1 once again?