Alpine salutes Alonso, says proud of collaboration

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Alpine has reacted to the news that Fernando Alonso will be leaving the French outfit at the end of the season and moving to Aston Martin F1.

The 41-year-old Spaniard had left Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, his final year with McLaren, but returned to the grid with Alpine in 2021.

It was believed that Alonso was close to securing a new deal with the Enstone squad for 2023 and perhaps beyond, but Aston has evidently succeeded in luring the two-time world champion to its team as Sebastian Vettel's replacement.

Read also: Alonso signs up with Aston Martin F1 for 2023!

"We wish Fernando the best for his future in Formula 1," Alpine said in a message posted on social media.

"Fernando has always been, and always will be, part of the Renault and Alpine family and we’re proud and privileged to have shared so many on-track moments together.

"We look forward to finishing the remainder of the 2022 season with Fernando in blue, and we’ll keep pushing to the maximum until the final lap in November.

"The team will announce its driver line-up for the 2023 Formula 1 season in due course."

Alonso's departure should logically pave the way for 21-year-old reserve driver Oscar Piastri's promotion to a race seat in F1 with Alpine alongside Esteban Ocon in 2023.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.