Fernando Alonso.
38 years of age.
2-Time Formula One World Champion 2005 and 2006.
2-Time Le Mans 24 Hours Winner 2018 and 2019.
FIA World Endurance Champion 2018-19.
A racing record to be proud of. We always knew the possibility of a return was high. I certainly hoped we would see Fernando back in Formula 1. He has some unfinished business, and with Renault announcing to his return between the mesmerizing Grand Prix in the Austrian hills last Sunday, and the second-of-two Grand Prix to be held at the Spielberg racetrack this weekend; What more can we expect from this double-header? An FP1 drive? Who knows? 2020 has thrown us a few curve balls so far.
Perhaps, the most difficult race driver to understand. But then again, do we really need to fully understand Fernando? His mind works in a way very few others ever have done, or ever will. When he works his magic in a car, we are always blown away by his talent. Alonso never ceases to amaze. Even his most avid haters would admit this.
Hate is a strong word. It is such a strong word to use when discussing who or what we like and dislike. I believe it is a word we all use far too often. The complex genius of Fernando is something that has baffled onlookers, team mates, team bosses, and fellow drivers for almost 20 years. Without this mystery, he wouldn't be the driver, or enigma he is. I am glad he is the way he is. It all adds to the genius. His ability is unquestionable. His drive and ambition are clear. The opportunities he finds himself with are endless. So why all the dislike? Why all the hate? Is he that unlikable?
I understand the "Let the young talent have a chance" mindset. Sadly though, Renault do not have a natural leader to take Daniel Ricciardo's vacant seat, when he leaves the French outfit for McLaren next year. Esteban Ocon had a year out as Mercedes reserve driver. Guanyu Zhou has impressed in F2 but has no F1 experience to speak of. The last two Renault-contracted champions in a feeder series were..... Jolyon Palmer and Nico Hulkenburg in 2014 and 2010 respectively. Now, the latter is, I think, the driver most F1 fans, analysts, drivers and team principals feel the seat is most deserving.
Nico Hulkenberg has plenty of F1 experience. A consistent finisher, although no top-3 finishes in 10 years in the sport. Winning Le Mans in 2016 for Porsche is, and was Nico's main highlight since he joined the Formula 1 grid. Albeit, winning at the Circuit de la Sarthe is a very worthy highlight, a driver as talented as he is, should be getting better results than he showed in F1. Perhaps Nico Hulkenberg has had his chance to prove his worth, and he didn't deliver. Alonso's record speaks for itself, and with no young talent currently able to fill the seat, where else would Renault look? Vettel........??
Sebastian Vettel won four World Drivers Championships with Red Bull from 2010-2013, all of which were powered by Renault engines. Seb has form with the French marque, but has had a lacklustre 5 years at Ferrari, and his dream of emulating the great Michael Schumacher has not come true. 6 years Alonso's junior, he has plenty left in the tank, but has he lost his joie de vivre in an F1 car? Red Bull could be an option. Christian Horner says 'No....' Perhaps he may follow in Fernando's footsteps and take a 'Seb-battical'......
Joking aside, Alonso has signed on the dotted line, and Cyril Abiteboul, Renault F1's Team Principal has openly agreed that the team has had to take Fernando's personality and outspoken nature regarding performance and internal politics from his former employers, McLaren, into consideration. does "GP2 Engine" ring a bell? To be fair, that radio message was aimed more towards the down-on-power, and frankly, unreliable Honda engines of the time. I think anyone would have been frustrated by the lack of performance - perhaps voicing that opinion over the airwaves wasn't his finest moment.
Moving forward into the heavily revised 2020 Formula 1 season, Renault will hopefully give Fernando Alonso a chance to get back in the car in Free Practice sessions. He may even get a race drive towards the end of the year if Ricciardo gives up on his Renault career before too long. I cannot see Daniel doing that, but it's always a thought.
In all my years of watching Formula 1, there have been many shock headlines and news stories. This, for me, is one of the better ones. It gives the sport a boost, it throws many other questions into the hat, and it continues to shake next year's driver line-up up. I for one, cannot wait for the 2021 F1 season to start. Fernando back to Renault. Kimi back at Alfa Romeo (Sauber). Sebastian possibly back to Red Bull? Sensing a theme here....? But lets get through this year first.
Welcome back Fernando. Let's see what you've got!
