Ocon would be “very happy” to have Alonso as Renault F1 teammate

Esteban Ocon says he would be “very happy” if two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso returned to Renault and became his new teammate in 2021.

Alonso, who walked away from F1 at the end of 2018 following a difficult spell at McLaren, has been linked with a third stint at Renault as replacement for the McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

Speaking during Thursday’s media day ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix, Ocon insisted he welcomes the prospect of Alonso rejoining the Enstone outfit next season due to having a “great relationship” with the Spaniard.

"My personal choice has no relation to what the team is going to do," Ocon said.

"I have a great relationship with Fernando. The helmet I have and the only swap I did in between the drivers was with him.

"He was the one with Michael [Schumacher], his fights back in the day, that gave me the love for the sport.

"I don't know if he's going to join or not with us, but definitely if he could come back, I would be very happy.”

Asked if Renault F1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul was aware how he felt, the Frenchman replied: “I don't know, maybe we should discuss that later.”

Aside from Alonso, current Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has also been linked with the spare Renault seat for 2021, while the team could also promote one of its junior drivers, with Formula 2 duo Guanyu Zhou and Christian Lundgaard its highest-placed proteges.

Ricciardo, who is leaving to replace Ferrari’s new signing Carlos Sainz at McLaren, believes Alonso is the best option for the French manufacturer.

"I would only say Alonso just because it's something I'm yet to experience," Ricciardo explained.

"Teammates are great benchmarks and also great additions to your skill set. You can always learn something. I don't believe there's any driver in this sport that's been perfect yet. There's always an improvement to make.

"For that I would say Fernando. In that as well, I only had 12 months with Seb [Vettel]. That went pretty quickly, so I wouldn't be opposed to that again."