Alonso back at Renault: ''The last time I was here they didn't have that''

Fernando Alonso's return to Formula 1 is drawing ever closer. Last week the Spaniard was back at the Enstone factory for the first time, where he was able to test Renault's new simulator.

At the end of 2018, Alonso announced his retirement. The dreamed success with McLaren did not materialise and the two-time world champion finished Formula 1. Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, went to the Indy 500 and even took part in the Dakar Rally. However, in 2021 he rejoined Renault, where he won his two world titles.

''These are emotional days and it feels just like the first day at school. It was a good experience to walk around here again, because of course I have a lot of memories here. I followed the programme and sat in the simulator. The last time I was here they didn't even have it," said Alonso in a video from Renault.

In the meantime, the Spaniard is being updated by Renault and is starting to help the team already. ''I've now had some meetings with the team and also looked at the planning for next year. It is good to see Renault as a competitive team again in F1 and I am happy with the progress. It is now looking at what the team needs from me towards next year. At least I am available for everything they need from me," concluded Alonso.