Fernando Alonso’s decision to sign with Aston Martin<\/a> was initially seen as a potentially career-ending move. The Spaniard joined the team when they were 7th in the standings, leaving Alpine, who were running in 4th.<\/p>\n However, a more in-depth analysis of this decision would have yielded a more positive reaction. Although the British outfit’s position in the standings was nothing special, they finished the 2022 campaign encouragingly.<\/p>\n Events like COTA and Abu Dhabi demonstrated they were within striking range of Alpine and McLaren.<\/a><\/p>\n By the start of 2023, however, it was clear that Mike Krack’s team had unlocked something special over winter. Alonso’s decision, once heavily questioned, was soon lauded as a stroke of genius after his Bahrain podium.<\/p>\n Ironically, part of what motivated Alonso to join Aston Martin was contract duration.<\/a> The British team was happy to offer the Double Champion a multi-year deal, something which Alpine was not.<\/p>\n