Alonso set for F1 return in 2021 with Renault - reports
- Published on 07 Jul 2020 16:31
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Fernando Alonso looks set to return to Formula 1 next season with Renault after a two-year break away from the sport.
Alonso walked away from a full-time seat at the end of the 2020 season following a number of disappointing years with McLaren.
The two-time world champion is widely regarded as one of the best active racing drivers in the world, with his speed and racing abilities building up a strong reputation during his years in F1 with Renault, Ferrari and McLaren.
Speculation about his F1 return has surrounded the Spaniard since his departure at the end of 2018, however according to reports from BBC Sport and RACER, Alonso will soon be announced as a 2021 Renault driver.
A seat has opened up at the Enstone-based squad following Daniel Ricciardo's departure, with the Australian joining McLaren for the 2021 season.
Alonso has long been linked with the vacant seat, as has fellow multi-world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Alonso won his two world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, before leaving the team to join McLaren in 2007. However, after a tense year alongside Lewis Hamilton, Alonso returned to Renault the following year where he remained for two seasons before joining Ferrari in 2010.
The 38-year-old came close to winning the world championship on two occasions with Ferrari in 2010 and 2012, but opted to leave to re-join McLaren following the commencement of a new partnership with Honda.
After four difficult seasons at Woking, Alonso left F1 at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign, where he has since become a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and a World Endurance Champion.
Alonso will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month to contest the Indy 500, seeking redemption after he failed to qualify for last year's race.
Should Renault soon confirm the deal, it will see him partner up with Esteban Ocon, who is already contracted for 2021.
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Replies (14)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Big mistake for both parties.
Snooky
Posts: 121
Completely agree, money saved on a younger/different driver would be better off making a competitive car. Alonso can only do so much in an uncompetitive car
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And in a disorganized mess of a team lead by an imbecil, if I may add that. Also fire Sewage.
Snooky
Posts: 121
Exactly, invest the money in the team, restructure like McLaren have done under Andreas and they may get somewhere. Maybe the same thing will happen to Renault as with McLaren after Alonso has done his stint there
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Good or bad, I'm delighted as an F1 fan. Love him or hate him, one thing Alonso isn't is boring. We don't know what the contractual agreements will look like. I expect that he will have a decent salary but not what Ricciardo was making.
I expect the Kimoa logo to make a comeback as part of compensation for Fernando. I also expect Alonso to be in top form.
For those suggesting a younger teammate would be better, I'd say that makes no sense. Especially since that would make Ocon the lead driver. Anything less that someone like Hulkenberg would have probably been a mistake
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Yeah - not a surprise though - he's box office and he's bound to increase the spotlight on Renault - Im sure they will capitalise on his being there. Strap yourself in folks for the ride.
Manto02
Posts: 93
See how McLaren capitalised, they didn't trust honda which became a better power unit than Renault
Jutlandia
Posts: 191
Why on earth are they doing this.
But then again, Arbitaboul and Co is not known for smart decisions.
And certanly not known for designing a fast car.
Alonso is not a team player.
Dert38
Posts: 377
I love it. Unexpected but happily!
xoya
Posts: 583
Noooooo!
The biggest mistake of Alonso's career by far.
Only thing he can gain is money.
siggy74
Posts: 194
Called that one right :D
Now Roll on that nice Gp2 engine, and the life of dreams thrashing ;p
Dert38
Posts: 377
At least he was better than Schumi in that GP2 car wtf bro :D
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
It seems Alonso's wrong decisions continuation since he moved to McLaren.
Now when McLaren is doing well he is joining Renault who suppose to spend money on car and not the driver... what a crap
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
This is inevitable. Only a big name such as Alonso could satiate Cyril's ego. Sure, its bad for the team, but i love it. I missed the absolutely fastest and prima donna of F1.