Formula 1: A new Fernando Alonso return rumor has emerged

A new rumor about the potential Formula 1 return of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has emerged amid Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Renault.

While one rumor about the potential Formula 1 return of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso was shot down when Carlos Sainz Jr. was confirmed as the replacement for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari beginning next year, another one has emerged.

That is because the departure of Sainz from McLaren resulted in Daniel Ricciardo leaving Renault to replace him alongside Lando Norris at the Woking-based team.

Meanwhile, Renault now have a confirmed seat open alongside Esteban Ocon for the 2021 season.

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Several drivers, including Vettel himself as well as youngsters Guanyu Zhou and Christian Lundgaard have been linked to Ricciardo’s seat at Renault next year. Nico Hulkenberg, who was replaced by Ocon after the 2019 season, has also been mentioned.

Now Alonso has been discussed as well.

Alonso retired from Formula 1 after the 2018 season ended, but toward the end of the 2019 season, he confirmed that he would consider returning to the sport, should the right opportunity arise.

Now he could have the opportunity to reunite with the team with which he won his two world championships back in 2005 and 2006. He drove for Renault from 2003 to 2006 and then again in 2008 and 2009, winning a total of 16 races during these six seasons.

Ricciardo’s current salary with Renault is $17 million per year, and that is good for third highest in the sport.

Alonso had been making around $30 million per year when he was competing for McLaren prior to his retirement, so the French marque would need to make him a generous offer for him to come back to Formula 1, especially since they have not been a top team in recent years and may not be an attractive option for the 38-year-old Spaniard for that reason.

But this may not end up being an issue.

According to Marca, “there could be a solution. [Formula 1 owners] Liberty Media are happy to pay a good part of Alonso’s high wages and an agreement could be reached before the 2020 season gets underway in Austria.”

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The 2020 Formula 1 season, which is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, is due to get underway with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, July 5. Could Renault and Fernando Alonso announce a deal for a third stint together before then? If not, who will end up serving as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement, and is Alonso’s Formula 1 career already over?

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