Fernando Alonso’s most likely destination for a Formula 1 return in 2021 would be Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at Renault, Martin Brundle claims.
Already, the silly season for the year after next is shaping up to be the craziest in history with almost every top seat available and almost every top driver out of contract.
Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, Max Verstappen heading to Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel retiring are three scenarios already put forward and Alonso has also hinted the new rules could trigger his comeback after two years away.
But with Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris looking very comfortable at McLaren, it is Renault, where the Spaniard won his two world titles, that the Sky Sports commentator thinks would be his best option.
“Fernando Alonso on the grid confirmed to me he wants to be back in F1 for 2021 – most likely with Renault I would have thought,” Brundle claimed.
“The focus at the moment is all about the fresh new talent in F1, but there’s not a big queue of Leclerc’s and Verstappen’s knocking on the door of F1 right now, and even the Red Bull young driver train is stuck in the station.”
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If that was the case, Ricciardo is the driver Alonso would replace as Esteban Ocon, who has joined for 2020, was confirmed on a two-year deal.
The question is whether the Enstone team would be competitive enough to give Fernando what he desires, a championship-contending car, and Max Verstappen claims he should settle for nothing less.
“He’s a great driver and it would be good to see him,” said the Red Bull driver.
“But, if he comes back, then it has to be only in a competitive car, otherwise I think it’s just a waste of time for him. I think he knows that himself.”
Max isn’t alone in being open to seeing Alonso back in an F1 car.
“Fernando’s obviously a well-accomplished driver. I haven’t spoken to him, so I don’t know how much he’s been feeling or how much he’s missed it. But I don’t think it would be bad for the sport,” Hamilton added.
“Ultimately, there are a lot of young kids on their way up and there’s only 20 seats. But if there’s no other good youngsters coming through, then there is definitely space for some that are currently here that probably could be replaced.
“I would welcome it as I would be more just happy that I won’t be the oldest here,” the six-time champion joked.
While F1 doesn’t beckon for the 38-year-old next year, one place that does is Indianapolis for a third attempt at completing the triple crown.
“I will definitely do Indy,” he confirmed to the BBC. “Let’s see how the next weeks unfold.
“Indy is the only one missing. If I do that after winning Le Mans, WEC, Daytona, there is nothing more I could ask. Definitely I will try again.”