Renault confirms Alonso for 2021 F1 season
- Published on 08 Jul 2020 12:59
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Renault has confirmed Fernando Alonso will rejoin the team for the 2021 Formula 1 season alongside Esteban Ocon.
Alonso last raced in F1 in 2018, as he opted to walk away from the sport following a handful of difficult years with McLaren.
Earlier this year, Alonso's manager Flavio Briatore insisted that the Spaniard was ready to rejoin F1 having spent two years on other projects such as the World Endurance Championship and the Dakar Rally.
“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I’m now looking ahead,” Alonso said.
“It’s a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I’m returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level.
“I have principles and ambitions in line with the team’s project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates. The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I.”
Alonso's return to Renault marks his third stint with the team, having originally joined it in 2003. In 2005 and 2006 he won back-to-back world titles before linking up with McLaren in 2007.
However, Alonso would find himself back at Renault the following year after a turbulent season at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton.
The 38-year-old spent two years at the Enstone-based squad during his second stint before leaving for Ferrari, where he came close to winning the 2010 and 2012 championships.
After five years at the Italian squad, he moved back to McLaren, however the results failed to come for the Spaniard as the Woking outifit struggled towards the back of the field.
Alonso currently has 314 grand prix starts to his name, as well as 32 race wins and 97 podiums.
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Replies (13)
Login to replyJutlandia
Posts: 191
Now we are again going to hear all if his complaining and whining.
This is a big mistake...
Dert38
Posts: 377
me doesn't thinks so
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But it might be fun, since it'll all be aimed at Sewage. I also think this isn't really what Renault need, but it might be a laugh. I'm just waiting for the sequel to the GP2 engine *bah*. XD
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I expect a lot of whining but not from Alonso... but yeah. There is always a tremendous amount of whining every time Alonso is discussed.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think it's too early to call, but I am fond of Albon and wish he'll do well this year.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Wrong comment... AJ, what Alonso radio have you been hearing? The one replacing his whinging with opera music or the one translating his speech live from a Chinese bootleg back to english using google translate a la "he big in nothing in good elephant".
xoya
Posts: 583
This is a Yoke...
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
It seems Sebastian is out of competition
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
There's still RBH. Albon is, AFAIK, not 100% safe ahead of 2021, so chances are he might get switched if he doesn't get up to par with Max.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
I think Albon is doing a stunning job, they finally found someone who can be quick and not be a problem for Max as it was with Daniel and their clashes (Azerbaijan).
Sebastian has got a big problem with younger drivers... Max would make his life very hard and we all know Seb can make some stupid things under pressure
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think it's too early to call, but I am fond of Albon and wish he'll do well this year. But I do think Vettel is an option.
Dert38
Posts: 377
gl gl gl Nando
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Just as predicted. Its inevitable for Cyril to sign a big name to compensate for the loss of Ric. But, its also inevitable for us fans to hear more of classic Alonso whining, hopefully little less than usual.