Bob Bell says Alonso F1 retirement is sad but normal

Bob Bell, Renault's technical officer, says Fernando Alonso's F1 retirement is "sad". The Spaniard has just four races left until the end of his 17-year career. The best part of which was spent with Bell when Alonso won his two world championship titles.

"It's very sad that Fernando is leaving Formula One," Bell told Marca.

Despite the sadness, Bell recognises how it's just part of the F1 driver cycle. That is brightly highlighted by how British driver Lando Norris takes his seat in the McLaren next season. Bell gives other examples of such regeneration.

"But it's also the normal cycle of the drivers. There are young and exciting talents coming to Ferrari and Red Bull next year, so it's the natural regeneration of the drivers," Bell added.

Alonso remains in the top 10 of the drivers' standings, but only by a single point. He is being chased down by Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz.