Fernando Alonso returning to F1, Renault in 2021
Fernando Alonso will be returning to Formula One for the 2021 racing season.
It’s official! @alo_oficial is back in F1 and will race for @RenaultF1Team in 2021 #F1 pic.twitter.com/O4zB2ckM0j
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 8, 2020
The Spaniard has signed a deal to return to Renault, where he previously drove from 2002-06 and from 2008-09. He will replace Daniel Ricciardo as Esteban Ocon's teammate. Renault has declined to comment.
Alonso, a two-time World champion (2005, 2006), left F1 in 2018 and has raced in IndyCar Series since. He is scheduled for his third attempt at winning the Indianapolis 500 this August with McLaren.
The 38-year-old has been in touch with Renault since last fall and his adviser, Flavio Briatore, said he is "motivated and ready to return to F1."
After it was revealed that Sebastian Vettel would not be returning to Ferrari next season, he was mentioned as a potential replacement for Ricciardo at Renault. With Alonso back in the fold, Vettel remains without a specific prospect in F1 for next year.