Alonso’s return to Formula One confirmed after signing Renault deal

Fernando Alonso will return to Formula One in 2021 after Renault confirmed the double world champion’s signature.

Alonso, who turns 39 later this month, has been out of the sport since he appeared to bring down the curtain on his career with McLaren 18 months ago. But the Spaniard, who won successive championships with Renault in 2005 and2006,hasnowcompleteda sensationalcomebackwiththe

French manufacturer.

Alonso replaces Daniel Ricciardo, who is moving to McLaren at the end of the year. Australian Ricciardo is taking over from Carlos Sainz ahead of his switch to Ferrari.

Alonso told Renault’s website: “Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula OnewithmytwoWorldChampionship titles, but I’m now looking ahead.

“It’s a great source of pride andwithanimmenseemotion 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 andIwillshareallmyracingexperience with everyone from theengineerstothemechanics and my team-mates. The team wantsandhasthemeanstoget back on the podium, as do I.”

Alonso has competed in 311 Grands Prix, winning 32 of them.HestarredforRenaultin the early years, before quitting McLaren after one season following a turbulent campaign alongside Lewis Hamilton.

He returned to Renault before a four-year period at Ferrari where he came close to winning the title on two occasions. After falling out with the Italian team, he went back to McLaren, but the switch proveddesperatelyunsuccessful. Alonso quit the sport after four seasons with McLaren, setting his sights on becoming only the second driver since Britain’s Graham Hill to complete the so-called Triple Crown – winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours and Indy 500.

Although he won the famous sportscar endurance race in 2018 and 2019 he has not been able to crack the Indy 500, despite a remarkable effort on his first appearance backin2017.Renaultarestruggling in the sport, but Alonso willbehopingthatanoverhaul in the regulations and the introduction of a £115m-a-season budget cap in 2022 will fire them back up the grid. He will partner the Frenchman Esteban Ocon.