Daniel Ricciardo has been announced as a McLaren driver for 2021 and Renault Sport Racing boss Cyril Abiteboul is reportedly considering former McLaren driver Fernando Alonso as an option for the team beyond next year.
“It can be a lot of pilots. There are some great drivers who will be available next year. The one you mentioned is an option. There are others.” Abiteboul said.
“The only thing I can say is that we are going to take the time to reflect. It’s an extremely important decision. We didn’t want to get into that kind of activism that there was from Ferrari and McLaren, for reasons that are theirs.
“Frankly, deciding on a driver when the season hasn’t even started. We thought it was a little strange. This choice of pilot is the last element of the puzzle of our reconstruction, hence the importance of taking our time and making the right choice.” Abiteboul added.
However, Renault wishes to take its time to choose the future teammate of Esteban Ocon and wishes above all that the lucky winner is committed for the long term with the team.
And the French manufacturer confirmed this week that its F1 project would be maintained a few more years despite the financial crisis affecting the automotive sector.
Alonso is a free agent for 2020 Indy500 after McLaren contract expires. He is often regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in the history of the sport and already has two spells with Renault on his CV – from 2003-06, during which time he won both his world titles, and again from 2008-09.
The 38-year-old driver, who retired from F1 racing after 2018 season, is rumored as a possibility for Renault, but and at the age of 39, it may count against him.
