Alonso must do more than race: 'He can prepare our youth for F1!'

Fernando Alonso will return to Formula 1 next season, driving for the Alpine team. The team also expects him to be an inspiration to the next generation of drivers.

Earlier this week, Fernando Alonso was hit by a car while bicycle riding in Switzerland and had to be taken to hospital. However, it seems that the Spaniard will not miss the start of the season and will be able to race for Alpine.

There are also high hopes for the return of Fernando Alonso. The two-time world champion is likely to lead the team, but Alonso will also have to show his worth outside of Grands Prix. Alpine director Laurent Rossi expects the driver to also help prepare young talent for F1. "Fernando has almost 20 years of experience in Formula 1 and his experience is invaluable for young drivers," Rossi told Motorsport-Total.com.

An inspiration for the team

According to Rossi, Alonso can show them how to get the best out of the car as well as give them mental and physical training advice. Alonso himself has been supporting young drivers for several years. Rossi says the Spaniard also started doing this at Alpine. "He has taken the time to get to know the current drivers in the academy. I am sure he will be an inspiration to the team."

One of the up-and-coming talents trained by the Renault academy is Formula 2 driver Guanyu Zhou, who has previously been able to train with Alonso. "We get on well together. I've definitely learned a lot in the two weeks I've spent with him. It has been a great experience for me to learn so much from a two-time world champion."

Now it just remains to be seen whether Alonso can also impress again in Formula One.