'Pride, emotion’ drives Fernando Alonso back to Renault F1 ‘family'

Fernando Alonso says a common goal to rediscover past glories played its part in his decision to forge a return to both F1 for the 2021 season with the Renault team he has achieved his biggest career successes to date.

After a flurry of speculation over the past 24 hours, Renault formally confirmed Alonso will compete alongside Esteban Ocon for the 2021 F1 season, replacing McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

Alonso hasn’t started an F1 race since the conclusion of the 2018 F1 season but has remained a high-profile figure in the sport, one that would be habitually linked to various teams over the last 18 months.

However, it was a rekindling of his relationship with Renault that always appeared the most fitting scenario and he was quickly established as the favourite to replace Ricciardo for 2021.

This will be Alonso’s third stint with the French manufacturer having delivered 14 wins and two World Championship titles between 2003 and 2006, plus two more wins during a spell with the team in 2008-2009.

Likening it to returning to his ‘family’, Alonso says he is motivated by the opportunity to impart his experience and assist Renault with the upcoming change in regulations for 2022.

“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One 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.”