‘A Big Responsibility’: Renault CEO Luca de Meo on Having 2-Time F1 Champ Fernando Alonso

Alpine removed the blankets and revealed their car to the world. First things first, the livery is just sensational. If it matches the performance on the track, it will certainly make Fernando Alonso a very happy man. After all, he makes his return from a 2-year exile with humongous expectations.

And the people working at the French base know that they will have to fulfill it. Or endure the same public bashing and humiliation as Honda during his doomed McLaren tenure.

Renault CEO, Luca de Meo, the man behind the revolution at the team, is not oblivious to that. Giving his two cents on Fernando at the car launch, he said, “He has come home 20 years after he made his debut with us.

“He’s back with honors as a two-time world champion and an international star. He brings us his speed, his tenaciousness, his will, his talent, his experience, and his commitment. It is a great pride to have this fantastic driver, but is also a big responsibility.”

Why wasn’t Fernando Alonso present for the Alpine launch?

While Esteban Ocon and other core members of the team were present for the all-important occasion, Fernando Alonso couldn’t grace us all with his presence. But it is not a piece of news that comes out of the blue.

There was some speculation regarding the status of his availability ever since he met with a bike accident in Switzerland. And he confirmed it himself a few days ahead of Alpine’s social media handles.

”As you know I will not be able to attend the team presentation on Tuesday. The travel restrictions between Switzerland and England make it difficult for me to be there, but I will certainly follow it.

“I can’t wait to show you the new car with the new colors and also new race outfits,” said Alonso.

The wait endures! We are all aching to see him don the new colors. Hopefully, that happens soon in 10 days’ time in Bahrain. He comes re-invigorated after his self-imposed exile and comes with a simple target in his mind – F1 World Championship.

READ MORE- ‘In Your Dreams’: F1 Pundit Dismisses Fernando Alonso’s Sensational Return