Fernando Alonso credits former boss and 'Crashgate' perpetrator for Aston Martin switch

Fernando Alonso's move from Alpine to Aston Martin last summer was met with a degree of skepticism. While F1 pundits and fans were not optimistic about his transfer, the former Alpine driver himself wasn't sure about the move either.

Last year, when Alpine was hesitant to sign a multi-year deal with Fernando Alonso, his manager Flavio Briatore, was looking around for other seats. Aston Martin emerged as the favorite destination as they were willing to offer a multi-year deal.

While the multi-year deal and the ongoing investments in the team were enticing, the two-time F1 champion wasn't convinced to join. This was probably because the Silverstone team was at the lower end of the constructors' standings and Alpine was leading the midfield.

In Miami, Martin Brundle from Sky Sports F1 asked Alonso if it was Briatore who convinced him to join Aston Martin. He answered:

"I mean, I have always… I didn’t trust, you know, 100% everything that the teams tell you in August. Flavio was quite keen on the Aston Martin project. I think he saw the investment, he saw the vision of Lawrence which, obviously, he is a very important leader we have in the team, and once I think Lawrence has a goal, he will get it."

He added:

"He will succeed eventually, you know. It maybe takes two years, five, or seven, but he will get it – and I think Flavio was quite strong into [the] Aston Martin project."

The former Renault boss and 'Crashgate' perpetrator successfully convinced Alonso, as he was announced as the replacement for the retiring Sebastian Vettel. Briatore and Alonso have hit the jackpot as the Silverstone team has made massive progress jumping all the midfield teams.

The Spaniard has achieved his best results since his F1 comeback, with four podiums in the first five races. He is currently third in the drivers' standings behind the Red Bull drivers.

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Aston Martin teammates Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll getting along very well

F1 Grand Prix of Australia - Practice

Fernando Alonso appears to be a completely different driver this season, getting along very well with his new teammate Lance Stroll. While the Spaniard was infamous for his tacky radio comments aimed at teammates, a different dynamic exists between the Aston Martin pairing this year.

From offering his brake balance suggestion in Baku, to complimenting Stroll's overtake in Miami, Fernando Alonso has taken on the role of a caring team leader.

Speaking about his relationship with the young Canadian, he said:

"I think we know each other for now 12 years, when Lance was just a kid in karting and I like him."

He added about the current role as he said

"I like this team and also my role in the team. I’m aware of my role perfectly fine, and I accept it. I’m at the end of my career. Lance I think will lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years, and I want to help the team and I want to help Lance as much as I can while I’m driving."