Formula 1 ace Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will be returning to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2021 with Renault DP F1 Team.
Renault announced this week that the Spaniard will return to the team to partner Esteban Ocon in order to build a stronger team going forward. Renault was in fact the team which helped power Alonso to his back-to-back world titles.
Alonso’s return to F1, will mark his third stint with Renault, having begun his career in the championship with the team in 2003. “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.” said the former champion.
Alonso has 314 Grand Prix starts under his belt, along with 32 wins and 97 podiums, having driven for McLaren, Ferrari and Renault in his time in Formula 1. His second stint with McLaren was hampered with performance issues and he left the sport in 2018 to pursue other sports such as IndyCar.
The two-times champion continued, “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.”
Fernando replaces Daniel Ricciardo, who moves to McLaren for 2021. Renault believes the partnership between them and 38-year-old Alonso, indicates their will and drive to bounce back and return to the top of the field.
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing said,“[Fernando’s] 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.
“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. He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning to overcome hurdles together.”
