Renault has confirmed that double World Champion Fernando Alonso will be joining the French team in 2021. He will be replacing Daniel Ricciardo, who announced a move to McLaren in May.
The drive with Renault will mark Alonso’s return to F1 after two seasons away from the sport, during which he raced in a variety of categories including the World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar Rally.
He has been on the team before. After his debut F1 season with Minardi in 2001, he was signed to Renault as a test driver in 2002 before being given a racing seat the following season. He raced with the team for four seasons, earning two championships in 2005 and 2006, before making a swap to McLaren. He returned the following season to do another two-year stint with Renault before finally moving to Ferrari for good.
In a statement issued by Renault, Fernando Alonso had this to say:
“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I’m now looking ahead. It’s a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I’m returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level. I have principles and ambitions in line with the team’s project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates. The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I.”
The Renault F1 Team was rumoured to be on the chopping block in the midst of mass layoffs at the Renault car company, as the company (like many) struggles to cope with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company’s acting CEO confirmed that Renault would remain committed to F1.
The team’s managing director, Cyril Abiteboul, reiterated this point in his driver lineup statement:
“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached. The strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern Formula 1 demands.”
Alonso will be racing alongside Esteban Ocon, who had made his F1 return this season after being replaced by Lance Stroll on Racing Point for 2019.
