Fernando Alonso set to return to F1 in 2021.

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Fernando Alonso to return to Formula 1 with Renault in 2021

By Andrew BensonChief F1 writer



But Alonso is known to have been in talks with Renault since November last year, and in May this year his adviser, Flavio Briatore, said he was "motivated and ready to return to F1".

Insiders say they believe his time away from F1 has reminded him that no other motorsport comes close to the level of satisfaction possible at its pinnacle.

But Alonso will have to accept he is unlikely to be competitive straight away. Next year, teams will have to use the same cars as in 2020 as a result of a rule change introduced because of the coronavirus crisis, and the Renault was a midfield car at the season-opening race in Austria at the weekend.

Alonso will hope the new technical rules being introduced in 2022 in an attempt to close up the field, as well as a budget cap on teams, will enable Renault to compete close to the front.

A stellar career

Alonso won his world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006
In addition to his two world titles, Alonso has won 32 grands prix, which puts him sixth on the all-time list, and is regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in history.

He also narrowly missed out on another three World Championships - in 2007 with McLaren, and in 2010 and 2012 with Ferrari.

But he has not won a race since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, and his final four years in F1 with McLaren were a frustrating battle for a team in decline and, initially, in denial about that fact.

McLaren have since started a revival - they finished fourth in the constructors' championship last year, overtaking Renault.

Since leaving F1, Alonso has become a two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, adding victory in 2019 to his first win in 2018, and also competed in the Dakar Rally.

The Spaniard has set himself the target of winning motorsport's so-called triple crown, for which he needs to add the Indy 500 to the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victories he has already achieved.

Alonso starred on his debut at Indy in 2017, driving a McLaren-branded car run by Andretti Autosport.

But a second attempt last year with a newly established McLaren team ended in embarrassment, after he failed to qualify because of what the team admitted was a series of organisational failures.

It remains to be seen what he will say about his ambition at Indy beyond this year, as the USA's most famous race usually clashes with the Monaco Grand Prix.

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[Swami]

Fernando Alonso return to Formula 1 with Renault confirmed

By Andrew BensonChief F1 writer

Last updated on 1 hour ago1 hour ago.From the section Formula 1

Alonso won his world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006
Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will return to the sport next year with Renault.

The Spaniard, 39 later this month, left F1 at the end of 2018 but always kept the door open for a potential comeback.

He will be returning with the team for whom he won his two titles in 2005-6.

"It's an extremely happy day for me coming back to F1 first but also to the team with which I had the best experience in the category," Alonso said.

Renault's progress back to the front stalled last year, when they slipped from fourth to fifth in the constructors' championship.

But Alonso said he believed that new rules, originally intended for 2021 but which have been delayed until 2022 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, gave the team the chance to return to competitiveness.

"Probably my first intention was to go out in 2018 and see how life was outside the bubble and have a think for the 2021 rules," Alonso said.

"This has been postponed one year because of Covid but still it's worth being in the sport in 2021 as a preparation for me after two years not driving these cars, and to build up with the team and have a good season.

"I know only one team will be winning in 2020 - and in 2021 probably - but I think the 2022 rules will hopefully bring some fairness to the sport and some close action with teams more level and less scope to invent something that has a large performance advantage.

"There is time to build on those projects. I am relaxed, I am aware of what 2021 will be and I'm hopeful for 2022."

Renault F1 team principal and managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached.

"His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern F1 demands.

"He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning."

Alonso has signed for at least two years and there are options for him to continue beyond that.

He will partner the Frenchman Esteban Ocon, as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, who is moving to McLaren.

Can Alonso win at 40?
In addition to his two world titles, Alonso is the sixth most successful driver in F1 history in terms of wins with 32, and is regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in the history of the sport.

He will turn 40 midway through his first season back but he said he did not believe age would be a barrier.

"The stopwatch is the only thing that matters, not the age," Alonso said.

"I feel ready and I feel I'm at 100% in terms of driving.

"I did a couple of fitness tests 15 days a go and I had the best results in my career and I am motivated, happy and stronger than ever."

Alonso has kept himself busy since he left F1 at the end of 2018.

He has become a two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, adding victory in 2019 to his first win in 2018, won the world endurance championship and also competed in this year's Dakar Rally.

He has set himself the target of winning motorsport's so-called triple crown, for which he needs to add only the Indy 500 to the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victories he has already achieved.

Alonso starred on his debut at Indy in 2017, driving a McLaren-branded car run by Andretti Autosport.

But a second attempt last year with a newly established McLaren team ended in embarrassment after he failed to qualify because of what the team admitted were a series of organisational failures.

He is returning to America's biggest race this year with McLaren, on his delayed date in August.

He said he was "100% committed" to Indianapolis and would "start the serious job" with Renault in September.

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