Brendan Lines July 8, 2020 11:18pm

It is official Fernando Alonso will replace Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo at Renault, the team Alonso won his two World titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, the Spaniard will partner current driver Esteban Ocon in 2021 on a reported two-year deal.

Alonso left Formula 1 in 2018 off the back of a disappointing run with McLaren, however since his departure Alonso seemingly left the door open never saying he was done with F1.

Glory days Alonso at the Japanese Grand Prix in his first stint at Renault – Image: Reanaultsport.com

“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,” he said.

It will be Alonso’s third stint with Renault after he left to join McLaren in 2007, but after tensions with the team and Lewis Hamilton he returned to Renault for 2008 and 2009 before joining Ferrari in 2010

Alonso’s last victory with Renault was at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2008.

With Formula 1’s budget cap reduced in 2021 and stable regulations carrying over as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula 1 has remained a viable option for Groupe Renault after some doubts over its involvement in Formula 1.

“I have principles and ambitions in line with the team’s project,” Alonso said.

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.”

Alonso who will be 39 when he returns, appears to be looking at the long game with Renault says Team principal Cyril Abiteboul.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

“He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning to overcome hurdles together. Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.”

But is Renault’s pitch to Alonso reminiscent to the same sell that lured Ricciardo form Red Bull?

While it all sounded great at the time Renault hasn’t delivered as late slipping from it’s place as being the fourth best constructor in 2018, losing out to engine customer McLaren in the 2019 Constructors Championship and now Ricciardo for 2021.

But anything can happen in Formula 1 and Alonso knows this too.

In recent weeks Alonso’s return may have been Formula 1’s best or worst kept secret, as Abiteboul was quick to dismiss reports of an imminent signing from Spanish newspapers over the weekend’s Grand Prix in Austria,

Teammate-to be Esteban Ocon said he would be “very happy” when asked about the prospect of Alonso joining the team at the Red Bull Ring last week.

Alonso’s attempt to race this year’s Indy 500 for McLaren, should not be affected by the announcement, but it may now suggest he has one shot to secure the elusive triple crown.

As Renault does not have an interest in Indycar, unlike his last team McLaren who let Alonso compete in the 2017 Indy 500 the same weekend its F1 team raced in Monaco.

Featured Image: Fernando Alonso Image: Skysports