Fernando Alonso has provided insight into his decision to leave Alpine at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season.
On the first day of the summer break last year, Alonso confirmed that he would join Aston Martin in 2023, replacing the retiring Sebastian Vettel.
The move has proven to be a successful one so far, with Alonso bagging six podium finishes in the first half of the season.
Alonso departed Alpine along with junior driver Oscar Piastri, who rejected a drive at the squad in favour of a switch to McLaren.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Alonso says that he was unhappy with Alpine for how it managed his contract negotiations.
“I don’t think I felt disrespected,” he said. “But it is true it took longer than I thought when we started conversations – I think it was in Australia back in [April] 2022 – about renewing the contract.
“It was just on a very slow pace, and it was not from my side. I was just ready and happy. The 2022 car was a fast car so I was also happy with the performance and the possibilities into the future.
“So that slow pace of conversations and eventually not even putting on paper what we were writing and all these comments about the age and whatever, which they are still doing.”
Alonso also took aim at Otmar Szafnauer, whose departure from Alpine was confirmed during the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
“It is the way they do things. Or the way Otmar does things. Because after this year, he should be quiet. He should not talk at all.
“After the results of Aston Martin and the results he’s achieving, he’s still talking and still proud of the decision, which is incredible, amazing.”
Renault, who owns the Alpine team, has a successful history with Alonso as it won two World Championships with the Spaniard in 2005 and 2006.
The 42-year-old added: “When you are doing the best you can every weekend, when I did so many things for Renault as well, you take a little bit personal when someone is doubting your performance or your age or these kinds of things.
“And you just want to prove even extra hard that you are in the best moment of your career. The results, they speak for themselves, and that’s the best way.”
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