Fernando Alonso is “ready” to return to Formula 1 in 2021 but does he have the “appetite” for a long-term project at Renault?
That is some of the reaction coming in as speculation suggests the two-time world champion is contemplating replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the French manufacturer next year.
According to Auto Hebdo, Alonso has already reached a pre-agreement with Renault, while other reports claim F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media could contribute financially towards making his comeback a reality.
And of course always one to talk up the Spaniard, manager Flavio Briatore has declared Alonso ready and raring to go next year.
“Fernando is motivated,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “A year out of Formula 1 has done him good. He has detoxed himself and I see him more serene and ready to return.”
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Even McLaren CEO Zak Brown is tipping the 38-year-old as he tries to get the inside scoop.
“Yeah I spoke with him [Alonso] the other day and I was kinda poking around,” the American told Sky Sports.
“I think he’s undecided, and if I was running Renault, that’s who I’d put in the car: big name, fast as anyone, won two championships with them, so he’s got history.
“So, from a Renault perspective, I think he’s a bit of a no-brainer to put him in.”
However, with the Enstone-based outfit set to be stuck in the midfield next year and then looking to capitalise on new regulations in 2022, Brown wonders if Alonso is really up for the commitment of leading Renault forward once again
“[The question is] whether Fernando wants to get back to 22 races with a car that doesn’t look like it’s capable of winning yet?” he said.
“Given Fernando’s stature, what would get him to jump at a seat is if he thinks he can be at the top of the podium.
“Given that [Renault are] at the similar journey back to the front, and I think they’ll get there – they’re a great team, great resources, great company they’ve been there, done that before.
“I don’t know if Fernando has the appetite to go on a three-year journey versus getting in a car [in which] he can win in, in 2021,” the McLaren boss concluded.