Could Alonso return to Alpine? Sky Sports commentator hints at bizarre transfer

20:52, 14 Jun

Updated: 20:53, 14 Jun

byKada Sarkozi

Could Fernando Alonso return to Alpine and be in the same team as Flavio Briatore? Sky Sports' David Croft fueled the rumours during FP3 in Montreal. Aston Martin's team principal, Andy Cowell, also responded to the TV channel about the matter after the session.

During the Sky Sports' coverage of the third free practice session, lead commentator David Croft said he saw Fernando Alonso multiple times in the Alpine hospitality area.

Croft suggested that might indicate that the Spaniard is looking for other options, but according to Aston Martin's Cowell, that is not the case.

Alonso to return to Alpine?

"I'm happy for Fernando to wander into any garage. He knows lots of people up and down the pit lane. And I’m also happy with the fact that he’s contracted to us next year, and hopefully will stay with us long term as an ambassador," the team principal began.

"It’s great working with Fernando. It’s always good to have a competitive person that pushes, just like Nico used to at Mercedes, and pushes the team on and galvanises the team."

Alonso previous completed three different spells with the Enstone-based team, twice under the name Renault in the 2000s, and he returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021.

As Cowell explained, Alonso does have a warm relationship with many people in the paddock, moreover, Flavor Briatore is the Spaniard's manager, therefore, a visit to Alpine would not be completely extraordinary.

This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaij