Flavio Briatore, manager of Fernando Alonso and new advisor to Alpine in F1, revealed that the Williams team had tried to recruit the Spanish driver before his arrival at Aston Martin.
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Flavio Briatore explained that this approach was made as tensions between Fernando Alonso and Alpine began to grow. Williams was desperately looking for an experienced driver to strengthen its team, and therefore tried to convince Fernando Alonso to join the Grove firm.
Ultimately, Flavio Briatore played a key role in Fernando Alonso's move to Aston Martin in 2023, a move that proved fruitful for both parties.
Although Williams failed to attract the two-time World Champion, the attempt underlines the attractiveness and influence that Alonso continues to exert in the paddock.
Also read: Fernando Alonso could start 2026 as his last season in F1
“Losing two drivers like Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri in one summer was a bit difficult”, said Briatore, who is now an executive advisor to Alpine.
“Fernando wanted to stay because the previous season wasn't that bad. We wanted to sign the contract in Canada.”
“Then [l’ancien PDG] Laurent Rossi suddenly disappeared. We could no longer contact him. That’s when I started talking to Lawrence Stroll, owner of Aston Martin.”
“We even received an offer from Williams. I told them: put your affairs in order first.”
“Eventually we signed with Aston Martin because we couldn't agree with the management of Alpine”, concluded the Italian.
Also read: Alonso: “I once had the best car in 25 years of racing”
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