Formula 1: Fernando Alonso to Ferrari rumors heat up once again

Fernando Alonso retired from Formula 1 after the 2018 season, but that hasn’t kept the return rumors away. Now another one has emerged.

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso may have retired from Formula 1 following the 2018 season, but not a day has gone by without the idea of a potential return on the minds of many fans.

Many rumors have emerged since then, and Alonso himself hinted ahead of the 2019 season finale that he may consider returning to the sport in the 2021 season if the right opportunity presents itself; the 2020 grid had already been confirmed at the time.

Now the rumors of a Formula 1 return for the 38-year-old Spaniard have begun to heat up once again.

More from Formula One

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is in a contract year with Ferrari after extending his deal by three seasons back in August of 2017.

His seat has been one that many fans have been watching, particularly due to his many recent errors that have cost himself and the team an abundance of points.

While what would be his sixth season with the Maranello-based team has not yet begun as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there have already been talks about his future with the team, including a potential contract extension.

These discussions have heated up after the team inked Charles Leclerc to a long-term extension through the 2024 season.

But the 32-year-old German, who recently noted that his deals in the past have typically been three-year deals, was recently offered a deal by Ferrari, according to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, and he reportedly called that offer a “joke”.

The deal was reportedly a one-year deal that included a massive pay cut. Vettel is currently the second highest paid driver in Formula 1.

With the team having effectively committed to Leclerc as their long-term top driver, a lack of willingness to accept an offer from Ferrari on Vettel’s part could officially make his seat one of the open seats for 2021 Silly Season.

Enter Fernando Alonso.

Alonso drove for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, and whenever a seat opens at Ferrari, his name is linked to it. He has stated that he doesn’t want to return to Formula 1 unless he can compete for a competitive team and have a car capable of winning races, and Ferrari would be able to provide that, at least based on what they have done in recent seasons.

Next. Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all-time. dark

While the 2020 Formula 1 season hasn’t officially begun and there is no official start date set in stone for it, 2021 Silly Season appears to be in full-force already, especially with the recent emergence of yet another Alonso to Ferrari rumor. It simply wouldn’t be a Formula 1 Silly Season without it.

Home/Formula One