ALONSO RETURNING TO F1

Flavio Briatore certainly knows how to throw the cat amongst the pigeons!

On Monday 18th May he announced that the double world champion, and LeMans winner, Fernando Alonso, is “ready” to return to Formula 1 in 2021. Briatore claims that having taken a year out of the sport, Alonso is refreshed, calm, and has regained his appetite for Formula 1.

The news comes fresh off the back of the announcement by McLaren that they have secured the services of current Renault driver, Daniel Ricciardo for 2021 alongside existing McLaren driver, Lando Norris.

The driver merry-go-round kicked off earlier than usual this season when it was announced a week ago that Sebastian Vettel would be leaving Ferrari at the end of 2020, having not been offered a new contract by the Scuderia.

Shortly after, it was confirmed that Carlos Sainz Jnr would be his replacement, leaving the vacant seat at McLaren for Ricciardo to jump into.

Looking at Mercedes, both the Silver Arrows drivers are out of contract at the end 2020. With the Ferrari seat now taken, the bets are off on Hamilton signing anything other than a new Mercedes contract, and with that any chance of Alonso or Vettel driving a Mercedes becomes very unlikely.

This gives Valtteri Bottas the opportunity to renew his contract and continue to drive for the most consistently competitive team in Formula 1.

Ricciardo’s move to McLaren now leaves a driver slot available at Renault alongside Esteban Ocon, and this could be Alonso’s best opportunity at a drive in a competitive car in 2021 and also continue his quest to complete the Triple Crown of motorsport by competing in the Indianapolis 500.

Coming back to what kicked all this off, we’re yet to hear anything official from Sebastian Vettel as to his plans for the future. Christian Horner has already stated that a return to Red Bull is very unlikely, and with Flavio Briatore’s longstanding relationship with Enstone, if Alonso is ready to return then it could well be that the 2021 grid will be missing one of its most successful world champions.

In 2021 the Formula 1 line could look very different. Once the music stops and everyone is seated ready for 2021 it’s expected to be a very exciting and closely run season. If you would like to experience the very best hospitality at one of the marquee races this year please contact JDC Promotions and let us build a bespoke package for you and your guests.