Renault Team Principal Reveals Why the Team Opted for Fernando Alonso Over Sebastian Vettel

It’s been a day since Renault sent F1 fans into a tizzy by confirming the signing of Fernando Alonso for 2021. The Spaniard is an F1 legend and will be joining the French team with whom he has won 2 Drivers’ championship titles.

He will be partnering with the 24-year-old Frenchmen Esteban Ocon, next season.

Renault F1 team principal Cyril Abiteboul is looking forward to working with the Spaniard. He also welcomed Alonso to the team via a video sent on Twitter by Renault. Today he discussed Alonso’s return to the team, a little more in detail.

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Fernando Alonso brings a mix of mindset and motivation: Abiteboul

The Renault boss was in conversation with Autosport. Speaking about Alonso’s return, he said, “I think the years that he had away from the track have probably been an opportunity for him to reset.

“(And) to actually measure how lucky or privileged we are all of us to operate and perform in Formula 1, and probably to come with a fresh set of mind. Let’s not forget how the competition, it can be toxic on people, on individuals you know.”

Furthermore, he revealed the reason why Renault opted for Alonso, over the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas. He said, “I guess above everything else, I would put the motivation and mental frame there. The talent is there with Fernando and it is also there with Vettel and Bottas.

“There is no doubt about that. But you know, the mix of mindset and motivation were important elements, plus also the timing of this crisis.”

However, before fans get to see Alonso behind the steering wheel of a Renault once again, they’ll be seeing a lot more of Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon.

Renault didn’t have the greatest of starts to the season. Ricciardo looked promising but retired due to a cooling issue, whereas, Ocon finished in 8th place and opened the team’s tally for this year’s championship.

With the next race coming this Sunday on the very same track, the French team would be hoping to get a lot more points this time around.