Champion racer, Alonso Fernando is set to make a comeback for Formula 1 in 2021. Although he has not been linked with any official team yet, there have been rumours that he has held talks with Renault about possibly joining them for the 2021 season.
Alonso, whose last race with Formula 1 was at the end of 2018, has been away since then. He has had a very interesting career, winning the 2005 and 2006 championship titles with Renault before leaving them, only to return two years later.
Now, from the looks of things, Alonso is ready to try with Renault for the third time, something his former teammate, Jenson Button, doubts.
Speculations linking Alonso to Renault started with the confirmation of Sebastian Vettel exiting Ferrari at the end of the 2020 season. Ferrari was quick to sign Carlos Sainz Jr. who will tale over Vettel’s role as he also leaves McLaren. McLaren, in turn, has confirmed the signing of Daniel Ricciardo from Renault.
This then leaves a spot open in the Renault team, prompting ideas that that could be Alonso’s opportunity to race in Formula 1 once more.
The 38-year old had earlier mentioned that he has an idea in his head for 2021, although he never said if it would include a return to F1 or the team he would be going for.
However, his main adviser and former Renault boss, Flavio Briatore said, “Fernando is motivated. A year out of Formula 1 has done him good. He has detoxed himself and I see him more serene and ready to return.” For the time he has been away, Alonso has been taking part in other racing competitions.
Button, however, expressed his doubt about Alonso joining Renault. He said, “If Renault were close to the front and he could see in 2021 and 2022 there’s a chance of podiums and wins, I think he would jump at the chance if he had the option.
“But I think it’s going to be a longer process than that. If they do get to the front it’s probably going to be four-plus years – and he doesn’t have that time. He’s not willing to put in that time, I don’t think. Fernando is that sort of guy that when he has an opportunity he does take it.”
What Button is saying is that given Renault’s current status of being among the average teams, it would involve a lot of work to get them ahead, and Alonso does not seem like the kind of person ready to do that now, especially not now that his age seems to be against him. There is only so much that Alonso can give and Renault does not seem like the right team now.
Written by: Leon Osamor
