Fernando Alonso has been endearing himself to his Aston Martin team with his performances on the track – and also his actions off it.
Aston Martin have created a very competitive car this year. Only the Red Bulls are definitely faster, with the Silverstone-based team in second place behind the defending champions in the constructors' standings after the first three races.
Veteran Alonso has been leading that charge. Leaving Alpine for a new challenge at the age of 41 was seen as a significant risk for a man whose Formula 1 career has, in some ways, been defined by a series of poorly-timed decisions to move teams.
But this one looks like an inspired call. Alonso has begun the new season with three podiums in a row, while team-mate Lance Stroll has also been able to deliver strong results.
The Aston Martin staff are absolutely thrilled with Alonso's impact and have been inspired by the double world champion. And his actions off the track will also do no harm to his relationship with his colleagues.
A video posted to the official F1 TikTok channel shows Alonso mucking in with his colleagues after finishing third in Melbourne. He is helping them to move a lot of heavy equipment in the pit lane with the packing-up operation in full swing.
The gesture is reminiscent of something his predecessor, Sebastian Vettel, was also known for. Former Aston Martin staff member David McMillan gave some insight into how the German was with his colleagues in a post on social media to mark his retirement from F1 late last year.
He wrote: "It was Imola 2021, there was no media, marketing or TV types left, just the lads. We were packing up and he appeared with crates of finishing beer, he then proceeded to help strip the cars, pack up and load the trucks." His words were accompanied by two photos of Vettel helping his team to strip Stroll's car down ready for transport, in an otherwise empty garage.
McMillan added: "When I ask my young drivers 'are you working hard enough?' I show them these images and remind them that this is a FOUR TIMES F1 world champion stripping his team-mate's car. He's a class act, he's real deal and it was always a pleasure."
