Fernando Alonso silences Otmar Szafnauer as Aston Martin thrive in 2023

Fernando Alonso, the Formula 1 driver representing Aston Martin, has candidly advised his former team principal, Otmar Szafnauer of Alpine, to "be quiet" in light of the divergent paths the two teams have taken in the 2023 season.

In a surprising move that caught many in F1 off-guard, Alonso made the switch from Alpine to Aston Martin for the 2023 season. Alpine had seemingly anticipated the Spaniard's re-signing but were left astounded by Alonso's decision.

It turned out to be a wise choice for Alonso, as he currently holds an impressive third place in the Drivers' Championship, having secured five podium finishes. Aston Martin, as a team, have also performed admirably, currently occupying the third spot in the Constructors' standings.

In stark contrast, Alpine have experienced a challenging year, languishing in the sixth position of the Constructors' Championship. Adding to their woes, Szafnauer departed from his position as team principal after the recent Belgian Grand Prix weekend, just 18 months into the role.

Alonso, 41, revealed that his decision to sign with Aston Martin was heavily influenced by the team's offer of a multi-year contract, unlike Alpine's one-year deal with options. Speaking to the BBC, Alonso expressed his frustration with the slow pace of Alpine's contract negotiations.

"I don't think I felt disrespected, but it is true it took longer than I thought when we started conversations - I think it was in Australia back in [April] 2022 - about renewing the contract," said Alonso.

"It was just on a very slow pace, and it was not from my side. I was just ready and happy. The 2022 [Alpine] was a fast car so I was also happy with the performance and the possibilities into the future.

"So that slow pace of conversations and eventually not even putting on paper what we were writing and all these comments about the age and whatever, which they are still doing."

Given the starkly different outcomes for Aston Martin and Alpine this year, Alonso has little sympathy for his former team principal, particularly considering that Alpine lost both Alonso and their reserve driver, Oscar Piastri, within a short span.

"[Being slow] is the way they do things, or the way Otmar does things. Because after this year, he should be quiet. He should not talk at all," said Alonso.

"After the results of Aston Martin and the results he's achieving, he's still talking and still proud of the decision, which is incredible, amazing."

The seasoned driver further asserted that Alpine underestimated his value to the team.

"When you are doing the best you can every weekend, when I did so many things for [Alpine's parent company] Renault as well, you take a little bit personal when someone is doubting your performance or your age or these kinds of things," said Alonso.

"And you just want to prove even extra hard that you are in the best moment of your career. The results, they speak for themselves, and that's the best way."

As Formula 1 enters its summer break, it will resume with the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on 28 August.