Safnauer believed his Enstone-based team were on the verge of signing Alonso to a new F1 contract as they neared the end of negotiations before the summer break.
But despite being informed by Alonso at Sunday night’s Hungarian Grand Prix that everything looked set to be resolved by the lawyers, Schaffnauer said he was shocked when he read Aston Martin’s announcement on Monday.
“That was the first confirmation I got,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com how he found out Alonso had struck a deal with Aston Martin.
“Obviously when we’re in the paddock there are all kinds of rumors and I had heard rumors that Aston were interested.
“Once you hear that they’re interested, there are probably discussions that have taken place and there are some other indications that discussions have taken place, like getting out of the same camper at the same time, all those things that I’ve seen.”
“But I was convinced that even with the discussions, and there is nothing wrong with the study, that we are very close.
“So yes, the first confirmation I got was the press release. I asked the question [to Alonso]. And they told me: “No, no, I haven’t signed anything.” So I was a bit surprised.”
Asked if he had spoken to Alonso after the statement, Safnauer said: “I haven’t spoken to him as he is on a boat, I think, somewhere in the Greek islands.
“I took this morning to address the staff here at Enstone. And the second thing I do is talk to you. And yesterday I got a bunch of calls from other potential drivers.’
Fernando Alonso, Alpine F1 Team A522
Photo: Alpine
Safnauer said Alpine and Alonso had almost agreed a 1+1 contract extension that would guarantee the Spaniard a seat for 2023 with an option for 2024 and beyond.
It is understood that one of the elements that was central to Alonso’s future thoughts was to stay in F1 for as long as possible, as he felt that a one-year commitment was not enough.
Schaffnauer said: “There were just a few minor points that were outstanding, as he said his lawyer would contact us. I believed it was.
“And then, before he left, I confirmed with him that we would be signing soon. And he said, “Yeah, don’t worry, I haven’t signed anyone else.”
“We will continue this over the next few days.”
He added: “We offered a one-plus-one deal. And we discussed with Fernando that: “look, if next year at this time you perform at the same level, of course we will take you and this can continue”.
“But I think he wanted more certainty regardless of the performance: ‘I want to stay longer.’ And I think that was the essence of one plus one as opposed to two plus one or three plus one or three years.
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