Red Bull wanted to bring in Alonso as well

After two years of absence, Fernando Alonso returns to Formula 1 at Alpine (currently Renault) in 2021. The Spanish driver said he had several options for his return but eventually opted for his old spot where he became double world champion.

Back to Renault

Alonso told Sky Sports that he could choose where he would make his F1 entry. "I have spoken to several teams, but Renault has always enjoyed my preference," quotes Motorsport.com. "It's very attractive to build something, to bring the team back to the top from the middle," said Alonso, who is now full of preparations for next year. On 4 and 5 November he will test a 2018 Renault in Bahrain.

A big advantage for Alonso on a return to Formula 1 with Renault / Alpine is that he still knows most of the people on the team well. "I know how passionate all those people are about racing. I have to say: this is my third period in the team and I immediately feel at home again."

Interest from Red Bull?

As said, Renault was not the only team interested in getting Alonso back into Formula 1. "The first phone call to find out if I was already bored after my F1 farewell came in June 2019. In August 2019 a certain team wanted to change drivers, but at that time I didn't want to join for six months or a year."

Although he does not mention the team explicitly, we can reasonably assume that this is about Red Bull Racing, which at that time replaced Pierre Gasly for Alexander Albon.