Fernando Alonso has had a notorious and unique reputation that is quintessential to Formula 1, and there are several reasons behind it. But most recently, his character was brought into question as he signed for Aston Martin, leaving Alpine stranded.

Looking back at the last season, it’s safe to say Alonso’s departure was the reason behind the team’s erratic season. Drive to Survive’s latest season provides a great insight into the entire fiasco. It was all a vicious cycle. But what surprised everyone was Alonso joining Lawrence Stroll’s side despite them running second-to-last at that point in the season.

And Drive to Survive’s Episode 5, titled, “Pardon My French,” reveals Otmar Szafnauer’s raw reaction to the news of Alonso’s departure was nothing short of an attack on the driver’s character. After facing several accusations, Alonso just said, “Bye-bye. I am still the bad guy.” 

So what did Otmar really say? He confessed, “It was difficult for me to understand the lack of loyalty to Alpine. During the weekend, I had my suspicions, but I thought that he would really focus on was the fact that we’re the fourth-fastest team. I thought that would sway him a little bit more than, uh, whatever Aston gave him to sway him.” And lastly, he answered the question, “More money, presumably,” saying, “I can only guess.”

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The team and the driver ended things on bad terms, as the two regularly launch attacks on each other now. And though Alpine showed a lot of promise, it just wasn’t enough to keep Fernando.

Alpine is fighting to prove Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri wrong

Otmar and Alpine are on a mission to prove the two drivers wrong for not choosing them. Otmar has made it clear in his several statements that the team will outperform its best of the rest competitors.

In the same DTS episode, he made a speech while addressing Alonso’s departure. He said, “…let’s show him that he made the wrong choice.“ And on the other hand, he commented, “Good luck to Oscar,” after Daniel Ricciardo finished P17 in the Dutch GP.

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So, a two-front direct war is on, with Alpine on one side and Aston Martin and McLaren on the other, with plenty on the line for the team, which will be eager to send a message across the grid.