Formula 1: Fernando Alonso to drive for Renault in 2021

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso is set to come out of retirement and return to Renault as the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.

As has been speculated for several months and as was reported yesterday, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso is slated to come out of retirement in 2021 and join Renault for a third time.

Alonso, who retired from Formula 1 after the 2018 season, his 17th season in the sport, announced in December that he may seek opportunities to return in 2021, given that the 2020 grid had already been filled.

He had been rumored to join several different teams, including Ferrari and McLaren, where he previously spent several seasons.

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Recently, however, he emerged as a candidate for Renault alongside Esteban Ocon, who signed a two-year deal with the team ahead of the 2020 season.

The Spaniard is set to replace the McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo, who is currently in his second season with Renault. Ricciardo is set to replace the Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz Jr.

With Ricciardo’s future at Renault having been uncertain even before 2020 and then with Sainz set to replace four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, team managing director Cyril Abiteboul stated multiple times that the team wanted to go with a younger driver to pair with Ocon. Ricciardo is 30 years old while Vettel is 33.

Here is what Abiteboul had to say about the team’s decision to sign the 38-year-old Spaniard, according to Formula 1.

"“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His 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. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. 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.“Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.”"

Here is what Alonso had to say about the opportunity to come out of retirement.

"“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula 1 with my two World Championship titles, but I’m now looking ahead. 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.“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.”"

Among younger drivers who were believed to be in consideration for the seat were 21-year-old Guanyu Zhou and 18-year-old Christian Lundgaard, two Renault Sport Academy members and Formula 2 drivers.

Yet the Enstone-based team ended up going with the man who is slated to be the second oldest driver in the sport next season if 40-year-old Kimi Raikkonen signs an extension with Alfa Romeo Racing.

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Alonso has already spent two stints with Renault, one from 2003 to 2006 and another from 2008 to 2009. He won the 2005 an 2006 world championships driving for the team, and he has secured 16 of his 32 victories as a Renault driver.

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