“Renault Knows Exactly Where Their Car is”- McLaren Boss Reflects on Fernando Alonso’s F1 Return

It has been a while since Renault sent the F1 world into a tizzy when they announced the signing of Fernando Alonso for 2021. At the moment, Renault (or Alpine, as they’ll be known as next year) are busy inquiring about the possibility of getting Alonso a free practice session before his move next year.

However, practice or no practice, McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, believes that Alonso will undoubtedly be a success at Renault.

Brown shares a good relationship with the 2-time World Champion. Alonso drove for McLaren from 2015 to 2018. He has also participated in the Indy500 with McLaren as he pursued his quest for a ‘triple crown.’

Of Renault’s new acquisition, Brown said, “I think Fernando is as talented as you get and he’s extremely experienced. So I think what they are going to get is a driver that they know is very committed, very experienced, and knows what it takes to win.”

The Spaniard certainly knows how to win alright. Having won both his world titles with the very same team, Alonso will enter a setup he knows well. At Renault/Alpine, he will be given the team’s full backing. He is also expected to receive priority status as the number 1 driver.

McLaren CEO opines Fernando Alonso will get the absolute best out of the car

Brown said, “As they continue to develop their car – much like we have with Daniel – because Carlos and Lando haven’t won a race yet, so at the end of the day as long as you get someone in your car that you know can win races, and I have no doubt that Lando and Carlos can.

“But they haven’t. As you look to take variables out, Renault knows exactly where their car is. Because Daniel Ricciardo will drive it as fast as it’s capable of going. That will be the same situation with Fernando, so it will be a big benefit to Alpine.”

As the French team plot a route back to being table toppers, they really couldn’t have bagged a driver better than Alonso. Ricciardo has already brought the RS20 close to the podium on two occasions.

So Alonso will fancy his chances of going one step further next year. Especially if the team continues to make the same progress that they have.