The ingredients for the sensational comeback are addressed. Fernando Alonso (39), F1-Insider.com hast learned, is in intensive negotiations with Renault to return to Formula 1 with the French factory racing team in 2021.
The next step towards the Spaniard’s comeback last week was made possible by the French’s commitment to stay in F1 long term.
The project was put to the test by the board of directors, but the future cost-cutting measures of Formula 1 managers from Liberty Media and the automotive world association FIA (budget ceiling of only $ 145 million) were decisive. Renault now wants to continue attacking fully and Alonso should play a major role in this.
And not just as a driver: In 2021 and 2022, the Spaniard, who won both his World Championship titles with the French in 2005 and 2006, will still have to take the wheel himself, after that he could take on a managerial role at Renault. There is even a partnership based on the example of Toto Wolff at Mercedes in the business game.
In any case, his friend and (ex) manager Flavio Briatore is confident that the deal will work. Briatore: “The history is right, the chemistry is right, it makes sense for both sides.”
Alonso, who is considered an extremely political driver, always felt in good hands with Renault. Already in 2008, he returned to the French after disputes at McLaren-Mercedes and won the Singapore Grand Prix because team boss Briatore deliberately let his number 2 driver Nelson Piquet junior crash into the wall. The people involved have changed in the meantime, but the positive feeling has remained with Alonso to this day.
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His former Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali also believes in an Alonso comeback at Renault: “There are fantastic young drivers on the market, but Fernando would take it to a different level.” The current Lamborghini president, who is still in close contact with Alonso manager Briatore, continues: “Of course he can be stronger with a good car, with a very fast car, but Fernando would be an asset to Formula 1 if he would come back. ”
This is also what the Formula 1 promoters at Liberty Media think. According to information from F1-Insider.com, they are therefore pushing Alonso’s return plans.
However, it remains open when a decision can be expected. Experts believe: Only Sebastian Vettel could still get in the way of the mega deal. Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul cryptically: “There are several options, Alonso is one of them, but there are several excellent drivers available for 2021. We will take the time to think because it is an extremely important decision.”
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