Official: Fernando Alonso returns to Renault in 2021!

Born last May, the rumor had been swelling since the beginning of the week. It’s now official: Fernando Alonso is returning to Formula 1 and to Renault next season! The Spanish double world champion has signed a contract with the French team, although the exact duration has not yet been disclosed.

A reduced salary for a veteran of F1

For this return, Alonso has reduced his salary: the Spanish driver has accepted all the demands imposed by Renault, a manufacturer that maintains its commitment in F1 but has to make savings, in a post-coronavirus crisis context.

Almost 39 years old (he will celebrate on July 29), the one nicknamed “the Bull of Asturias” is about to begin a third cycle with the French team. After a glorious first stint between 2003 and 2006, resulting in two world champion titles for drivers and constructors in 2005 and 2006, followed by a second, more lackluster stint in 2008 and 2009 with two victories but also the Crashgate/Singapore-gate controversy; here he is, returning to Enstone for a third adventure!

With 17 victories, Alonso is the most successful driver for the French team, ahead of Alain Prost’s 9 wins, whom the Spaniard will likely meet next year, “the Professor” currently being the non-executive director of the Renault F1 Team.

Next year, Fernando Alonso will replace Daniel Ricciardo, who signed with McLaren in May for 2021. Funny coincidence: McLaren was precisely the last Formula 1 team of the Spaniard. After a complicated last four seasons, he left Formula 1 following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2018. Since then, Alonso has dedicated himself to other disciplines: Endurance racing with Toyota (two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019, not to mention a win at the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona but with a Cadillac), and the Dakar, once again with Toyota, finishing in 13th place.

Alonso-Ocon, 15 years of age difference between the future teammates

With 17 seasons, 312 starts, and 32 wins in F1, Fernando Alonso has remained very popular with Formula 1 fans. He is now on the verge of a spectacular return, at least in terms of the announcement. A comeback reminiscent of Michael Schumacher, who returned with Mercedes in 2010 after three seasons away from F1. Or Kimi Räikkönen, who took a two-year break in 2010 and 2011 before returning with Lotus in 2012. The Finn has not yet confirmed his participation for the next season with Alfa Romeo, but he could find himself alongside another future forty-year-old on the grid: Alonso will celebrate his 40th birthday on July 29, 2021!

Next year, Alonso will team up with Esteban Ocon, who also has a contract for next year. The Frenchman will then be… 25 years old!

Fernando Alonso: The team wants and has the means to return to the podium, and so do I!

Already dressed in the Renault F1 Team polo, Fernando Alonso posted a video message on social media to express his thoughts on his return to the French team.

Renault is my family, they are my best memories in F1 with my two World Championship titles, but I am looking forward. It is an immense pride for me, but also a great emotion to return to this team that gave me my chance at the start of my career, and now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level.

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« I have principles and ambitions that align directly with the team’s project. Their progress this winter lends credibility for the 2022 season. I will share my racing experience with everyone, the engineers, the mechanics, and my teammates. The team wants and has the means to return to the podium, and so do I! »

Team principal of the Renault F1 Team, Cyril Abiteboul also commented on the arrival of the double world champion from Spain. According to him, the signing of Fernando Alonso is part of the Renault Group’s plan to continue its commitment to Formula 1 and to return to the top of the grid.

Cyril Abiteboul: this signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment in Formula 1 and return to the top of the grid.