Renault has officially confirmed that Fernando Alonso will partner Esteban Ocon for the 2021 season.

With 314 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins and 97 podiums, Fernando joins Renault DP World F1 Team for the upcoming seasons. Given the strong historic and emotional bond between the team and Fernando Alonso - Renault and Fernando won their two world championship titles together in 2005 and 2006 - this decision is both bold and meaningful for the future.

Renault, with its values, is one of the greatest brands in Formula 1. Fernando is a great driver returning to F1 enriched by other experiences and willing to build with his much-loved team.

The tenets of work, surpassing oneself and ingenuity as well as Fernando's DNA defined by tenacity and pure talent make this union an obvious one. He will be an asset in the many efforts to win back the title and will give meaning to Renault's commitment to the highest level of motorsport.

The desire is to build a team around two complementary drivers, combining experience and youth, and pooling their values and talent in the service of the project. Fernando's fighting spirit should benefit the whole team and allow everyone to achieve their goals.

The announcement comes days after team boss, Cyril Abiteboul gave insight into what sort of driver he was looking for to replace McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

"What we need first is a driver," he told reporters. "We need a driver for each car. We need a quick driver, we need a talented driver and we need a driver that can understand and buy into Renault's project.

"We are very clear about the nature of our team," he continued. "We are a bit of a unique team in the Formula 1 landscape, but at the same time very loyal to Formula 1 but also a young team still in the making, with some struggles, in particular last year.

"So we need someone who is capable of understanding all of that and understand the value of all the work, ethic and effort we are putting into that. I am not saying that Daniel has not understood that. That's absolutely not what I mean. I am talking about the future.

"We are talking to a few names," he admitted. "Some big names, some lesser-known names. We are taking the time and again making sure that there is a good alignment between what we are and what any driver is looking to get in a team like ours."

"The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault's plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field," said Abiteboul in today's official press release. "His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached. The strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice.

"In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern Formula 1 demands. He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning to overcome hurdles together.

"Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions."

"Renault is my family," said Alonso, "my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I'm now looking ahead.

"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. I have principles and ambitions in line with the team's project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates.

"The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I."

Alonso, who left F1 at the end of 2018, is due to take part in the Indy 500 late next month, the Spaniard seeking to emulate Graham Hill in securing motor sport's 'Triple Crown', by winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans - which he won twice with Toyota - and the iconic event at the Brickyard.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Batman, 08/07/2020 22:52

"... after all that has already been said and trying to add something really important (LOL), I think I can already hear Fernando screaming «por qué no te callas y me das más power. Quiero mas potencia», the Spanish version of «Just Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing »."

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2. Posted by @R1Racing71, 08/07/2020 19:55

"Actually while you are at it bring back Flav. Sometimes I do miss the old crook. By the way if you haven’t heard his beyond the grid podcast may I suggest you do - you will find it hugely amusing.
Constantly referring to Peter Collins as Phill Collins is your starter for ten.....
"

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3. Posted by @R1Racing71, 08/07/2020 19:51

"If this last beyond halfway next season I’ll eat my hat.
Prepare to be disappointed."

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4. Posted by Lakota, 08/07/2020 15:29

"Renault better find some extra power in their unite or it's going to be the same old mid -pack at best finish's. Hopefully they can give Fernando a competitive car to mix it up with the front runners "

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 08/07/2020 14:05

"This only works if they bring back Flavio Briatore as well. Bwahaha!!"

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6. Posted by Rock Doc, 08/07/2020 13:56

"This could be the nail in the coffin for Renault in F1.

Just look at Honda and McLaren. Since Fernando has gone Honda has a race winning engine and McLaren are getting back on the podium"

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7. Posted by Rock Doc, 08/07/2020 13:54

"Seriously???

Renault isn't the same team as the last time he was there. They won't cheat for him.

What about bringing in new talent."

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8. Posted by Wokingchap, 08/07/2020 13:16

"Certainly don't want to see Flav back in the circus."

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9. Posted by *TestaRossa*, 08/07/2020 12:42

"what a joke ...and next week we hear Flav is coming back too so we have the evil twin again . poor Ocon , let us hope he does not play ball like Petit Piquet "

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10. Posted by Batman, 08/07/2020 11:53

"I appreciate and will always appreciate it when I see someone who believes in fairy tales. Unfortunately, I also believe that there are men with an incredible tendency to make bad decisions. Cyril Abiteboul is playing his final joker. I can already hear Phoenix's laughter. The best of luck to Renault and Fernando."

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11. Posted by kenji, 08/07/2020 11:39

"Alonso's returning. That's very good news. There are so many negative comments on the net that it beggars belief. Alonso is an all time exciting driver who will deliver the best performance capable subject to the car he's given to drive. Yes, he's older than most but so what? Performance is the ultimate decider not disconnected fans parroting the same old cliches time after time. He is known to be a very demanding driver! That's an excellent quality to possess as teams need pushing to get the very best of the best.Roll on '21 and everything it promises from new driver line ups."

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12. Posted by Burton, 08/07/2020 11:24

"Welcome back Emperor Palpatine :/"

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It's official! Alonso returns to F1 with Renault

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