Fernando Alonso is ready for F1 return, but is the sport?

With Daniel Ricciardo jumping ship from Renault and heading to McLaren, the Enstone-based team has been left with a vacant seat for 2021. Fernando Alonso says he has an idea “in my head” about his future plans – but does that mean returning to the team who powered him to two World Championships?

BBC Sport understand that the Spanish two-time World Champion has had talks with Renault about a possible comeback, but the team has not made a final decision.

A return to Renault would definitely prove to be beneficial as they seek to accelerate their recovery process after years finishing behind the top teams. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul has stressed that the team’s priority is to ensure that they are competitive for F1’s 2022 rules overhaul. The question is – would Alonso be willing to race for a midfield team?

Fernando has kept himself busy with the Le Mans the Dakar Rally and Indy 500

Former teammate Jenson Button doubts the Spaniard would be interested, unless he could fight for podium places and wins. “He hasn’t lost it at 38 years old. But building a team again for three or four years? I don’t think that’s what Fernando is looking for.”

McLaren boss Zack Brown agrees with Button’s stance, saying: “I don’t know if Fernando has the appetite to be on a three-year journey versus getting in a car that he can win in, in ’21.”

Since retiring in 2018, Alonso has kept himself busy with the Le Mans (which he has won twice now), the Dakar Rally and Indianapolis 500 (Indy 500) – which still remains a priority.

If he were to return to F1, the chance to win motorsport’s triple crown would diminish significantly. This is a feat only one driver, Graham Hill, has achieved and it’s no secret that Alonso desperately wants to add his name to the list.

According to Alonso’s manager, Flavio Briatore: “Fernando is motivated, and a year out of Formula One has done him good. He has detoxed himself and I see him more serene and ready to return.”

His use of the team radio to express his frustration is popular across the F1 community

After failed attempts to win the Indy 500, his comeback is especially dependent on this year’s results. Should he win, a return to F1 after reaching the pinnacle of motorsport is more likely but if the results do not go in his favour, another year of waiting for Indy 500 looks more likely.

From Renault’s perspective, it may be a no-brainer to sign him. Fast and aggressive, the development of the car would fare well under his tenure. However, it may not be all bliss for Renault. Alonso isn’t known for his patience and will likely get irritated quickly if the team fails to make the progress they expect. His use of the team radio to express his frustration is popular across the F1 community; it might not be as popular within the team.

If Renault decide to go another direction which team could employ his services? Both Mercedes drivers are out of contract after 2020 but it is exceptionally likely that Lewis Hamilton will extend his partnership with the Brackley outfit. Alonso is not someone Toto Wolff is looking to partner their star driver.

I don’t see Renault willing to gamble on a driver who wants to win

Christian Horner would not be willing to do the same after giving Max Verstappen a contract to 2023: Red Bull isn’t an option. A Ferrari return is impossible, with compatriot Carlos Sainz replacing Sebastian Vettel. Likewise, McLaren have already decided their line-up.

Racing Point, who are to be rebranded as Aston Martin Racing, Alfa Romeo and Alpha Tauri are likely to stay put with their current drivers or explore younger options.

Haas could be an option for Alonso, should they remain in the sport post-2020. With tensions soaring between Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen a refresh might be the way to go; pairing the Spaniard with a younger talent might be just what Gunther Steiner needs to revitalise his team.

Personally, I would be excited to see the king of team radio return to the sport but I don’t see Renault willing to gamble on a driver who wants to win. I don’t see Alonso settling for mid-table finishes either and playing the waiting game at his age is not ideal.

With a four-time World Champion in Sebastian Vettel now in the market, Renault may do everything in their power to sign a man of that calibre instead.