Fernando Alonso Itching to Join Renault Ahead of Alpine F1 Return in 2021

Ahead of his return to F1 and old team Renault, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso expressed his passion to get behind the scenes and start work to seamlessly fit in before the 2021 season begins.

There is very little left to start my work with the team: Fernando Alonso

In a tweet posted a few hours back, Alonso’s words – translated from Spanish – were, “There is very little left to start my work with the team this 2020. Simulator, attend Grand Prix, help as much as I can, and prepare everything for the return. Charged batteries. Let’s go for it!”

The feeling will be mutual with everyone at Renault, especially Team Principal Cyril Abetiboul, wanting to welcome him back with open arms when they heard the veteran driver had chosen to return to Renault.

The Spanish driver, of course, is no stranger to Renault, having raced for them in two stints between 2003 -2006 and then again in 2008 and 2009. Perhaps there might be a good reason for Alonso wanting to get out there in advance and helping the French racing team, who from recent developments will be known as the Alpine F1 team, starting 2021.

Alonso brings to the table a wealth of experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the team from before will be crucial to its success, not to mention he would also be the perfect mentor to young Esteban Ocon. 

Renault after eight races now sits in 5th position on the Constructors’ Championship table with 71 points, ahead of Ferrari and 11 points behind Racing Point. Daniel Ricciardo is so far their leading driver in 10th position with 41 points while Esteban Ocon is in 12th position with 30 points.

However, with Ricciardo moving to McLaren next season, the objectives for Alonso and Renault will be to target podium finishes and if the opportunity crops up, target race wins as well. From a strategic point of view, a driver of Alonso’s stature will not merely be a Renault representative on the field but even offer valuable suggestions off it.

Alonso has also made it clear for Renault to be targeting the 2022 season when the financial regulations and technical directives will be put into place. But one thing is clear: Alonso will be back in the paddock soon, and that will in itself, be a sight to behold.