Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso is returning to Formula 1 next season. The Renault F1 team officially confirmed earlier this week that Alonso agreed to join them for the 2021 season.
The 38-year-old Spaniard will step into Renault’s lineup as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, who agreed to join McLaren next season. Alonso’s partner will be Esteban Ocon.
It will be a familiar scenery for Alonso, considering that he saw the biggest successes in his career with Renault. During his first stint with the team, between 2002 and 2006, he won two F1 titles while adding two top-five finishes.
“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I’m now looking ahead,” said Alonso in a statement. “It’s a great source of pride, and with an immense emotion 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.”
Fernando Alonso’s last F1 season came in 2018 when he finished 11th while driving for McLaren. He then ventured into other racing competitions, managing to win consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans races with Toyota while also taking part in Dakar Rally.
