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      Fernando Alonso puts staggering 15 per cent – worth £250 MILLION – onto Aston Martin share price after Bahrain GP podium

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      FERNANDO ALONSO added £250million onto Aston Martin’s share price after his stunning Bahrain podium. F1’s oldest current driver was in supreme form on his debut for his new team and took advantage of the Aston’s new-found pace.
      F1 veteran Alonso was in joyous mood after his first podium since 2021Credit: Rex
      His podium was one of the stories of the day from the opening race of the season, which Max Verstappen won at a canter.
      But fans continue to be excited about Aston Martin’s emergence, a feeling that appears to be shared by traders.
      The brand’s stock went up by 15 per cent – worth around £250m – after the car’s marvellous showing in the Middle East, according to sport and business journalist Joe Pompliano.
      This will be to the delight of part-owner and executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who watched son Lance finish sixth in the other Aston Martin car despite recent injuries.
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      Stroll Sr led a consortium of investors to buy the team in 2018.
      Back then they were still called Force India and were struggling to properly establish themselves towards the front of the grid.
      The team changed name to Racing Point in 2019 and would adopt an eye-catching pink livery.
      Lawrence’s son Lance would also join from Williams.
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      Results would eventually pick up with the highlight coming in Bahrain in 2020 when Sergio Perez won the Sakhir Grand Prix and Stoll finished third to give the team their best ever result.
      With the team rebranding as Aston Martin in 2021, results would again go backwards.
      But now the outfit looks incredibly competitive with part-owner Stroll open about his ambitions to win the world championship.
      Two-times world champion Alonso, 41, is still widely considered to be among the best drivers in F1.
      He won the title in 2005 and 2006 with Renault before moves to McLaren, Ferrari and Alpine.
      His first race in F1 was all the way back at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix. More

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      Incredible omen suggests Lewis Hamilton may yet win F1 title after Max Verstappen storms to victory in Bahrain opener

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      LEWIS HAMILTON may not be out of the Formula One title race just yet. This is because of an incredible omen which has befallen the sport since 2017.
      Lewis Hamilton has been handed a boost to his F1 title hopesCredit: Splash
      Despite Max Verstappen’s dominating victory in the season openerCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the season-opener in Bahrain, producing a dominant display which has left fans believing the season is already over.
      However, as Hamilton will know all too well, F1 is a marathon, not a sprint.
      And an omen which has gone in his favour in the past could return to haunt Verstappen as he endeavours to land a third title in a row.
      A remarkable pattern has revealed the winner of the opening race in each of the last six seasons has NOT gone on to win the world championship.
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      Seven-time champion Hamilton benefitted from this phenomenon on its first four occasions.
      He beat then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel to the title after Vettel won the season opener in Australia in 2017 and 2018.
      He then emerged victorious over former team-mate and 2019 and 2020 opening race winner Valtteri Bottas.
      Hamilton himself fell victim to the curse in 2021, winning the season opener in Bahrain before Verstappen controversially clinched the title on the final lap of the season.
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      Could Verstappen be the curse’s next victim?
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      Verstappen then won his second title last season after Charles Leclerc won the 2022 opener.
      Therefore, if we believe this pattern, despite Verstappen’s Bahrain win the season is far from over.
      The same time period has seen another strange data set emerge.
      In this case, the driver topping the charts in the second free practice session (FP2) of the season’s first grand prix has gone on to land the title.
      This points towards Fernando Alonso winning his third-ever F1 title – and first since 2006 – after he topped the charts during this year’s session.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      The Spaniard’s Aston Martin allowed him to claim his 99th career podium after overtaking Carlos Sainz with a hilarious reaction.
      This shows a remarkable turnaround by a team who only finished seventh in the constructor’s championship last year.
      Data trends since 2017 suggest Fernando Alonso could pick up a third F1 titleCredit: Alamy More

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      Jeremy Clarkson collared by Martin Brundle as he attends F1 despite being infuriated by it ‘for years and years’

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      JEREMEY CLARKSON was giddy with excitement ahead of the new Formula One season.This was despite his admission of it “infuriating” him for “years and years”.
      Jeremy Clarkson couldn’t contain his excitement attending an F1 raceCredit: SKY SPORTS F1
      But the ex-Top Gear host admitted he had infuriated by the sport in previous yearsCredit: SKY SPORTS F1
      Ahead of the season opener in Bahrain, Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle resumed the tradition of his grid walk.
      His walk normally allows him to rub shoulders and grab a quick word from the host of celebrities and team members on the grid – sometimes to great comedic effect.
      And his walk in Bahrain was no different, as he spoke to Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Red Bull chief Christian Horner before speaking to Clarkson.
      After asking the ex-Top Gear host whether he should be “planting turnips” Clarkson spoke of his excitement to be back at an F1 race.
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      He said: “[The] First F1 race I’ve been to for years. It’s just so fantastic to be back. I adore Formula 1.
      “It was infuriating for years and years and now it’s back because they can follow one another and the aerodynamics are so much better.
      “My daughter is now a really big fan so I can talk to her about it. I can’t believe how big [the cars] have got! I’m just fizzing with excitement over it all.”
      The race would go on to be won by Max Verstappen, who produced a dominant display.
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      Sergio Perez came in second, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso claimed his 99th career podium after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc retired.
      Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton could only muster a fifth-placed finish following Toto Wolff’s admission the Mercedes design concept may need to be scrapped.
      Team-mate George Russell came in seventh, while it was a day to forget for McLaren and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
      Lando Norris was forced to pit SIX times throughout the race due to engine issues, while F1 debutant Oscar Piastri was forced to retire early on.
      Ocon was handed a raft of penalties after twice incorrectly serving previous offences, compromising his race beyond repair.
      His first penalty came after he incorrectly slotted into his grid position at the start of the race before he failed to serve the penalty properly at a pit stop.
      The third offence came as he was found to be speeding in the pit lane.
      It saw the Frenchman equal Pastor Maldonado’s unenviable record for most race penalties in a single race, set at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2015.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Fernando Alonso’s hilarious reaction caught on Aston Martin team radio after passing Carlos Sainz in F1 Bahrain GP

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      FORMULA 1 fans were left in hysterics after Fernando Alonso’s hilarious reaction to overtaking Carlos Sainz.The two-time world champion, 41, moved up to fourth with 18 laps left of the season-opener in Bahrain after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was forced to retire with reliability issues.
      Fernando Alonso secured his first podium since 2021Credit: Reuters

      Carlos Sainz watched Alonso overtake him in the battle for third placeCredit: Getty
      It left the Spaniard right behind the other Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, as he eyed a podium spot.
      And just a few minutes later, after nearly touching Sainz earlier in the lap, Alonso passed his countryman to move into third place.
      Following the overtake, he could be heard on the Aston Martin team radio saying: “Bye bye”.
      Reacting to the comment, one fan said: “He’s back!!!”
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      While another added: “Fernando Alonso hype train”.
      And a third responded: “HE DON’T MISS”.
      Alonso thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon in Bahrain as his new team showed they are set to be the surprise package of the 2023 season.
      In the closing stages of the Grand Prix, the legendary driver even took the time to praise the car.
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      Heading towards his first podium finish since 2021, he told the team radio: “This is a lovely car to drive”.
      Reigning world champion Max Verstappen cruised to victory in the first race of the season as he seeks a third successive title.

      The Dutchman’s team-mate Sergio Perez came home in second to clinch a Red Bull one-two.
      And Alonso rounded off the podium ahead of Sainz, Lewis Hamilton and fellow Aston Martin man Lance Stroll. More

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      Fernando Alonso given huge Aston Martin Christmas gift as F1 legend is handed luxury £250,000 SUV after joining team

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has been gifted a huge Aston Martin SUV for Christmas ahead of the 2023 Formula One season. Alonso joined the British team after leaving Alpine and is already reaping the rewards without even taking to the track.
      Fernando Alonso has been gifted a huge Aston Martin SUV for ChristmasCredit: Instagram @fernandoalo_oficial
      It comes after he was gifted a DBX 707, the luxury SUV worth £250,000 and has a top speed of 196mph.
      Alonso tweeted: “Expectations were exceeded. Dream car.”
      The Spaniard spent two years with Alpine after initially joining the team for the 2021 season.
      But the ex-Renault, McLaren and Ferrari driver left the French outfit at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign to join the Brit team.
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      Upon signing, he said: “No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”
      Alonso added: “I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.
      “We all appreciate that there is much to be done to get to the front, and that we must apply all our energies in working together to find performance.
      “The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convinced me to maintain my enjoyment and commitment to the sport.
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      “I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”
      Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll – father of driver Lance – said he and Alonso shared the same “ambitions”.
      Stroll revealed: “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me.
      “I have set out to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organisation to succeed in this highly competitive sport, and those plans are now taking shape at Silverstone.
      “It seemed natural therefore to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and we very quickly established in our recent conversations that we have the same ambitions and values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our desire to work together.”
      Fernando Alonso pictured at the Hungarian GPCredit: Splash More

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      Sebastian Vettel could REMAIN in F1 next season with retiring Aston Martin racer holding talks with CEO Domenicali

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL could remain in F1 next season after the retiring star held talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The Aston Martin driver announced plans to step away from the sport after 15 years before last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
      After 15 years driving in F1, Vettel’s departure will leave a hole in the sportCredit: Rex
      Vettel made his debut in F1 in 2007 and went on to win four Driver’s Championships with Red Bull between 2010-13.
      There was an outpouring of affection for the German after his retirement announcement, not least from his friend and former rival Lewis Hamilton.
      But his time in the sport may not be done after fans tipped him for a leadership role within F1 after he spent years campaigning for issues like the environment.
      And Domenicali also signalled that could be on the cards after he held talks with Vettel.
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      The F1 chief told Bild: “Among other things, we talked about his decision and the future. Sebastian will always be associated with Formula 1. And of course, we want that connection to remain close in the future.
      “If he is interested in becoming part of our system and the approaches fit together, I would of course welcome him here.
      “But we already know that, after the season, he wants to sort himself out and enjoy time with his family.”
      Bild suggested that the new role could revolve around his recent activism in the areas of environmentalism, diversity and social issues.
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      Vettel did hint himself in his post retirement interviews that he could stay close to the sport – as well as pursuing other interests.
      The 35-year-old told Sky F1: “I have lots of interests. Some are very close to racing, and maybe they will take up more room in the future, and some have nothing to do with racing.
      “One thing is what we do and the other thing is who we really are. And as much as people know me and you know me and we know each other, there are elements I don’t know about you and you don’t know about me.
      “So the answer is it’s a little bit unknown. As even though you have these plans and so on, there’s no guarantee that they will all work and make me happy.”

      It’s been a big week for F1 legends with Vettel’s long-time rival Fernando Alonso also announcing he is on the move.
      The Spaniard is replacing Vettel at Aston Martin as the English constructors moved quickly to fill the void in their team.
      In contrast, Alpine’s attempt to replace Alonso were completely catastrophic. More

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      How F1 could look in 2023 after transfer blitz with Albon extending with Williams and Ricciardo set for Alpine return

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL’S shock retirement announcement last week has set off a chaotic chain reaction in Formula 1.Next season’s grid could look very different, with plenty of teams looking to shuffle their lineups.
      Sebastian Vettel announced his upcoming retirement last weekCredit: Rex
      Daniel Ricciardo may find himself looking over his shoulderCredit: Rex
      Some new rookies will arrive in the paddock, while more experienced drivers may look for a better seat elsewhere.
      Others find themselves looking over their shoulders, desperate to stay in Formula 1 altogether.
      As the drama begins to unfold, let’s take a look at all the potential movers and shakers.
      ALPINE CHAOS
      What we know for sure is that Fernando Alonso has ditched Alpine to replace Vettel at Aston Martin.
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      After being comfortably outscored by team-mate Esteban Ocon so far this season, the veteran two-time world champion feels that he will fare better elsewhere.
      The 41-year-old has agreed a multi-season contract worth £25million-a-year with Lawrence Stroll’s team.
      Alonso’s sudden defection left Alpine in the lurch, with boss Otmar Szafnauer only learning of the Spaniard’s decision via Aston Martin’s press release.
      This prompted Alpine, who had expected Alonso to extend his deal, to hastily announce that reserve driver and former F2 winner Oscar Piastri would be promoted into the seat alongside Ocon next year.
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      But in a sensational twist, Piastri DENIED the agreement, tweeting: “I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.
      “This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
      It is understood that Piastri, 21, will join McLaren – who already have two drivers contracted themselves.
      With Lando Norris on a long-term contract and performing well, Daniel Ricciardo is the obvious candidate to be given the boot at the end of this year.
      The Aussie has been bullish that his McLaren contract is secure, but the team themselves may believe that they have other options.
      Should he be axed by McLaren, Ricciardo may make a remarkable return to Alpine.
      The Aussie raced for the French team in the 2019 and 2020 campaigns – finishing fifth in the driver standings in his second year.
      Elsewhere on the grid – Ferrari have complete stability, at least on the driver side, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both locked in.
      ANOTHER CRACK AT EIGHT?
      Over at Mercedes, George Russell is tied down to a long-term deal, although Lewis Hamilton is set to be out of contract at the end of the 2023 season.
      The seven-time world champion was surrounded by retirement rumours during the last off season, but he currently appears as dedicated and focused as ever.
      Following Vettel’s retirement decision, Hamilton said: “I’m still fresh and still feel I’ve got plenty of fuel left in the tank. Of course, I want to get back to winning ways and that’s going to take time. I’m sure we’ll sit down at some stage and talk about the future.
      “I’m enjoying what I’m doing, and feel really proud working with this incredible group of people. I’m also enjoying working with the sport more than ever. We’ve got some great people leading the sport, we’re having great conversations about the direction we’re going in.”
      ONE TO WATCH
      Max Verstappen is locked in at Red Bull until 2028, while Sergio Perez recently extended his own deal to 2024 – although Red Bull have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on Haas’ Mick Schumacher.
      The German is set to be out of contract at the end of this season, although it’s expected he will stay alongside Kevin Magnussen next term.
      ALBON STAYS
      Williams announced yesterday that Alex Albon has agreed to extend his contract through 2023, with the former Red Bull star parodying Piastri’s tweet in his announcement.
      He’ll likely have a new partner, however, with Nicholas Latifi on increasingly thin ice.
      Mercedes reserve Nyck de Vries is viewed as a potential contender to take the Canadian’s seat.

      ANY OTHER BUSINESS
      Over at Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas is locked into a long-term contract.
      Rookie Zhou Guanyu’s deal is up at the end of the season, but the Chinese driver has shown enough to suggest that he’ll likely be given an extension.
      Pierre Gasly is down for another year at AlphaTauri, although Yuki Tsunoda may be sweating as his deal expires at the end of this campaign.
      The Japanese 22-year-old has shown some signs of improvement this year, and may just about manage to keep his seat.
      Meanwhile, Lance Stroll will partner Alonso at Aston Martin.
      Lewis Hamilton is feeling good at MercedesCredit: AFP
      Alex Albon is staying at WilliamsCredit: Getty
      Most of the grid’s best drivers are locked in for next yearCredit: Rex More

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      Fernando Alonso will be on £25m at Aston Martin – but he has the potential to upset the team and prove a costly disaster

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      FERNANDO ALONSO will join Aston Martin for next season after agreeing a multi-year deal – but will it bring success or end in disaster?The ever-green Spaniard, 41, will replace Sebastian Vettel, who is quitting F1 at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.
      Alonso will replace Vettel at Aston Martin next yearCredit: EPA
      The two-time world champion is expected to earn around £25million a year from Aston, as team owner Lawrence Stroll digs deeper into his huge pockets.
      Stroll, whose son, Lance is the other driver in the team, has invested heavily into their F1 operation and the luxury car brand.
      Alonso’s signing represents the latest attempt to propel the F1 team to their goal of winning titles, despite falling towards the back of the grid in recent years, despite substantial recruitment.
      Alonso said: “This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula One today.
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      “I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One.
      “I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone.
      “No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.
      “I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.”
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Throughout Aston Martin’s history, the car company has been saved from bankruptcy a number of times and under Stroll’s ownership is it again proving tricky to steer into the black.
      A recent deal with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has released extra capital while the Canadian billionaire recently assured customers they were working through a back-log of orders due to a supply issue with parts.
      His decision to hire Alonso is understandable, for he brings a wealth of experience and is still one of the quickest on the grid, despite his age.
      But Alonso does have the potential to upset teams, especially when things are not going well.
      His second spell at McLaren – when they were hamstrung by their Honda engine – was excruciating and he publicly taunted the team for their poor performances.
      The disintegration of that relationship (again) was staggering as he drove a wedge between the Japanese company and McLaren as the team environment went toxic.
      That’s something Aston cannot afford to happen – no matter how much money Stroll throws at the project in the form of recruitment and their new multi-million pound factory.
      Because, as we have seen in the past, having money doesn’t guarantee success.
      The biggest reminder is when Toyota announced in 1999 that it would be coming into the sport and the assumption was that, given the Japanese car giant’s resources, they were assured of victories.
      But despite three poles in 139 GPs, Toyota never won a single race between 2002 and 2009, let alone challenge for the title, as is Stroll’s ambition.
      For the meantime, he is committed but should Alonso’s move backfire, then it could add up to another costly mistake.
      🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info

      Oscar nominated
      Alonso’s exit at Alpine will open up a space for Australian driver Oscar Piastri, which is good news for F1 because he is excellent.
      Piastri won the Formula Renault title in 2019, Formula Three in 2020 and the Formula Two title in 2021.
      Barmy rules meant he had to leave F2 as the champ and with no space on the grid he was forced to wait his time.
      But now it has come and Alpine should grab it.

      Schmitz and giggles
      WE are now safely in the era of Max Verstappen’s domination following his excellent victory in Budapest, which means he has an 80-point lead in the championship.
      We are seeing the same level as Vettel at Red Bull in 2013 when he went into the second half of the season and won nine races in a row.
      However, away from the TV cameras, while Verstappen’s performance at the Hungaroring was excellent – it was not a patch on that by his strategist, Hannah Schmitz.
      She absolutely aced the timing of his pit stops to perfection and nailed the tyre choice as Ferrari faltered and Mercedes played catch up.
      While the joke memes flooded Twitter portraying Ferrari’s strategists as clowns, Red Bull have an absolute gem in Schmitz, their Principle Strategy Engineer.

      O-ver the top
      VERSTAPPEN has slammed idiots who burned Mercedes merchandise at the Hungarian GP.
      A video circulated on social media showing a £45 black cap being set on fire as the bad-blood surrounding some of his supporters continues.
      The Dutchman was asked about it after the race and he said: “That’s of course not acceptable. These individuals, I definitely don’t agree with that, because that’s just disgusting.
      “Overall, I think the majority of the fans were cheering throughout the race, and also on the podium, for every driver. That’s how it should be, but that video of burning merch, I think that’s disgusting.”

      Fab grab
      MOTOGP star Fabio Quartararo is trying to secure an F1 test later in the year.
      The MotoGP champion was at the French GP and spent time with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team in the hope of getting something finalised.
      It is not the first time a rider has tried his luck on four wheels.
      Valentino Rossi often flirted with F1 and tested for Ferrari a number of times between 2004 and 2010.

      No more protests
      SILVERSTONE chiefs are working with police to ensure there is not a repeat of the protests that marred the British F1 GP at this weekend’s MotoGP race.
      Environmental campaigners breached the fences and made their way onto the track in a dangerous sit-down protest.
      And now track bosses and local police are switching their attention to this weekend’s MotoGP race to ensure it runs smoothly.
      Aussie elation
      By Russell Lanning
      AUSTRALIA ended their 20-year wait for a world team title after winning the Speedway of Nations in Denmark at the weekend.
      They beat Great Britain – who won the crown last year – with Aussies Jack Holder and Max Fricke beating Brit stars Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley in the final.
      GB’s three-times world champion Tai Woffinden was unable to race in Saturday’s meeting after suffering a back injury in a training accident.
      Speedway’s next major event is the British Grand Prix at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on August 13, with home favourites Woffinden, Lambert and Bewley all set to appear. More