ALONSO AIMS TO TURN RENAULT INTO WINNERS
Fernando Alonso says he hopes he can turn Renault into a powerhouse in Formula 1 when new rules are introduced to the top flight, after signing to drive for the French team in 2021 and 2022.
The 38-year-old was confirmed as Esteban Ocon’s team-mate in the build-up to last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix at the Red
Bull Ring. He will replace the departing Daniel Ricciardo, who is heading to Mclaren.
Alonso joined Renault as a test driver for 2002 and went on to take two world titles with the team in 2005 and 2006. The two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner said: “[The team’s] 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 Alonso announcement means four-time champion Sebastian Vettel’s options of remaining in Formula 1 have been severely dented. Both Red Bull and Racing Point have declared they are not interested in the German’s services for 2021.