Renault F1 rules out Alonso from Indy 500 'distraction' in 2021

Renault Formula 1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed Fernando Alonso is not allowed to take part in the Indianapolis 500 once he joins the team in 2021.

In July it was announced that Alonso would be rejoining Renault on a two-year deal in 2021 having won his two F1 world titles back in 2005 and 2006 with the French manufacturer.

The Spaniard exited the sport at the end of 2018 and has since competed in a variety of motorsport series and events, including the World Endurance Championship, where he won the Le Mans 24 Hours on two occasions and the Indy 500 - where he continues to go in search of winning 'the triple crown'.

Abiteboul says Alonso will be solely focused on F1 when he returns to the sport next year.

“The very straightforward answer is that I'm hardly breathing until next weekend actually, when he is stepping out of his racing car from Indianapolis,” Abiteboul said. “But I can be very clear that once he is with us, that is for good, and for a while, so no distractions.”

Abiteboul hinted that Renault may look at competing in other motorsports in the future given new Renault CEO Luca de Meo’s interest in sportscars and motor-racing in general.

“The great news is that we have in Luca de Meo a CEO that is really passionate and enthusiastic about cars… about sports cars and about motor racing and clearly that's something that's going to be a gamechanger for all of us in Renault,” Abiteboul added.

“He knows the goals of the team, he knows the team's situation. He's here for the long run, he fully appreciates… what we are doing with the level of resources that we have because I think he has a better understanding and knowledge of the sport, which is a good thing for all of us.

“But he's got clear expectations not just for the racing team but also for the way the racing team will play a role in Renault's mid-to-long-term strategy and I think that's what matters the most.”