‘He’s a Real Personality’ – Button Believes F1 Fans Will See a Very Different Fernando Alonso in 2021

Fernando Alonso is set to make a long-awaited return to F1 in a little over a couple of months’ time. The Spaniard will be suiting up for Renault, albeit under the name of Alpine. The Enstone-based team had a successful campaign last season. bagging three podiums and finishing fifth in the championship, ahead of Ferrari.

Alonso will be tasked to replicate the kind of performances Daniel Ricciardo produced in 2020. While he may not be at his very best and may show some signs of rust, F1 fans will still be happy to have the two-time world champion back on the grid. This view is also shared by Jenson Button.

Speaking about Alonso’s comeback, Button believes we will see a significantly different Spaniard on the track this year. He said, “I think it’s great. He’s a real personality and I think he has probably learned to be a little bit more humble over the last few years.

“I think you will see a really strong and well-mannered Fernando Alonso. It’s really good for the sport, really good for him and he seems to be working really hard on fitness, which is great.

“He’s going to need to be as he’s not a young spring chicken anymore!.”

Button looking forward to see Fernando Alonso back on the grid

Alonso last raced on the F1 circuit back in 2018; he had suited up for McLaren that year but had a disappointing campaign. He ended the 2018 season with just 50 points in a lackluster car. This time around, he’d be hoping for much better, especially considering that he’s joining a team with whom he won his two championships.

Button said, “It’s also good for Renault, a team he has won two World Championships with, and to come back with them. Fernando has some big shoes to fill as Daniel Ricciardo was extremely good and nothing fazes him [Daniel].

“It’s going to be great fun to see Daniel at McLaren alongside Lando [Norris] but yes, great to see Fernando back on the grid.”

While a title run may not be in his sights, Alonso would definitely want to be a podium contender. Whether that would be possible or not, depends not only on Alpine, but also on the other mid-field teams as well. Either way, it’s going to be fun watching the Spaniard duke it out on the track in an F1 car once again.