Despite already enjoying incredible and resurgent success with Aston Martin, there was a time when Fernando Alonso had his doubts. For most, moving to a team that finished seventh in the overall standings was a backward step from Alonso. However, little did most people know Alonso was joining a team that was finally taking shape. Little did most people know Alonso was joining a team that had all its ducks in order and was ready to unleash its true potential. Although Alonso was among those many people who did not believe in the Aston Martin project and if it wasn’t for his old mentor, he would’ve never jumped on board the Lawrence Stroll ship.

The man in question who convinced Alonso is none other than his former boss Flavio Briatore. If it wasn’t for Briatore’s conviction and belief in Stroll’s project funded by his $3.6 billion, he would’ve never joined Aston Martin. Alonso revealed this himself in a conversation with the news outlet La Razon 25.

“I did not trust 100% in everything that the teams tell you in August,” says the Asturian pilot. However, Alonso still took the leap of faith and only has Briatore to thank.

“Flavio was quite interested in the Aston Martin project. I think he saw the investment, he saw Lawrence’s vision, who is obviously a very important leader in the team, and if Lawrence has a goal, he will achieve it,” says the Spaniard. “I think that Flavio was betting very strongly on the Aston Martin project and that ended up convincing me.” 

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Alonso put faith in his old boss’s belief, and it is paying dividends. In fact, after working closely with Lawrence Stroll, Alonso made an interesting comparison.

Fernando Alonso drew comparisons between his current and former boss

Having worked closely with both Stroll and Briatore, the Spaniard couldn’t help but see similarities in both bosses. Alonso put this comparison and admiration towards both into words during an interview.

“Flavio was also very charismatic and a real leader,” says Alonso. “You have to make sure that all the different characters follow one voice and one lead. You need something so that people listen to you and respect you and I believe that only Flavio and Lawrence have that leadership in all things that I work on.”

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Plenty of admiration and respect to go around for his former bosses from the Spaniard. In fact, respecting his old boss’s opinion is definitely working in Alonso’s favor. His time at Aston Martin is already a testament to that.