Renault and Fernando Alonso Refute Rumors of Replacing Daniel Ricciardo in 2020

The rumor that Fernando Alonso has been linked with a return to F1 action, with Renault in 2021, has been going on for a while now. There’s no concrete evidence of Renault wanting Alonso or vice versa. However, some reports from Spain took it one step further, suggesting that the Spaniard would replace Daniel Ricciardo for the 2020 season.

However, the 2-times world champion was quick to shoot down these spurious reports.

Fernando Alonso rubbishes rumors linking him with Renault this season

Replying to a fan on his Twitter account regarding the false news reports, Alonso said, “Well, at noon they were saying that a team had said NO to Alonso. In the evening they said that I’ll race with that team in 2020!!.”

While he also added that his only focus, for now, was the Indy 500. He said, “I’m telling you that I’m going to race in the Indy 500. You have to think about who is laughing at you?? But I’ll be here when there is something to announce.”

Similarly, according to Motorsport.com, a source representing Renault, informed them saying, “It’s complete nonsense about Daniel being replaced during the course of this season. We have a job to complete together.”

While Renault themselves haven’t opened any talks with the Spaniard, team boss Cyril Abiteboul mentioned that he is an “option.“ (Read: Renault F1 Boss Confirms Fernando Alonso “Is an Option” for 2021).

Nevertheless, it’s understandable why rumors continually link him to the French team. Both of Alonso’s world championship titles were won by him when he was behind the steering wheel of the Renault. Plus the fact that there is a vacancy over there for 2021, and that Alonso is still actively racing means that the rumors are unlikely to stop.

Fernando’s last race in F1 took place in 2018, where he raced for McLaren. That season saw the Spaniard score 50 points and finish 11th in the Drivers’ championship standings. It was a marked improvement from last year, where he only finished with 17 points in 15th place. Since leaving F1, Alonso took part in endurance racing and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice. Now he is on the hunt for a win at the Indy 500, which will complete his ‘triple-crown.’