Daniel Ricciardo’s move to McLaren has opened the door for two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso to return to Renault.
Alonso has admitted a return to the elite series could be an option for him from 2021.
“My next challenge will be at the top level of motorsport, be that Formula 1, endurance racing or IndyCar,” Spanish media quoted him telling university students by video link on Monday.
Spaniard Alonso, 38, left F1 in 2018 after growing frustrated at racing for McLaren in an uncompetitive car.
But he has retained close links to F1 and his former team Renault – where he won his world titles in 2005 and 2006 – who now have a vacant seat from 2021 with Australian Ricciardo signing with McLaren.
Alonso’s agent Flavio Briatore told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport that Fernando was motivated.
“A year out of Formula 1 has done him good. He has detoxed himself and I see him more serene and ready to return,” said Briatore.
Alonso took part in the Dakar Rally, various endurance races and the Indy 500 in his absence from F1.
The drivers’ market briefly kicked into action when Ferrari announced Sebastian Vettel would leave after this season but they promptly signed Carlos Sainz from McLaren, who in turn moved for Renault.
That leaves the French outfit as the most realistic berth for Alonso should he wish to return but the team is considering their position in F1, not least due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
McLaren boss Zak Brown told Sky he saw an Alonso move to Renault as a ‘bit of a no-brainer’.
“I think he’s undecided, and if I was running Renault, that’s who I’d put in the car: big name, fast as anyone, won two championships with them, so he’s got history,” said the American, who spoke to Alonso recently.
Brown said Alonso would jump at the chance to win again but might be less interested in a team still some way off.