Alonso will return to Renault whom he won his World Championships with in the past. He left F1 in 2018 to pursue other adventures, but he is due to make a third bid to win the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren in August. BBC Sport report that a spokesperson for Renault “declined to comment on the rumours”. When the news is confirmed Alonso will partner French man Esteban Ocon, with Australian Danny Ricciardo leaving Renault to move to McLaren next season.

Many will probably ask why is Alonso coming back to sport seen that he said “he felt he had nothing else but achieve in the sport”. However, he obviously now feels he has plenty more to achieve if he is signing to Renault. He also said, “It’s time to achieve bigger things outside of F1”. However, we reported in May that Alonso was in talks with Renault since November 2019. With the Spaniard’s advisor Flavia Briatore stating that Alonso was “motivated and ready to return to F1”.

As the old saying goes though never turn your back on something your good at and Alonso’s record speaks for itself. In addition to his 2 World Championship titles, he has amassed 32 Grand Prix wins. Since leaving F1 he has gone to become a two time winner of Le Mans 24 hours, he has also competed in the Dakar Rally. He has also race in the Indy 500 and has set himself the target of winning this.

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RTE Sport report that Lewis Hamilton, the sports only sole black driver, has been very vocal in the last number of weeks regarding the lack of diversity around him, but the FIA have said they want to create a more inclusive culture. The FIA will help fund an initiative which will aim to increase diversity in the sport. President of the FIA, Jean Todt said, “We must promote diversity in motor sport, and that is why we decided to give one million euros in contribution to the new dedicated foundation created by Formula One”.He continued, That is a first step, and more will come.”

F1 CEO Chase Carey was delighted with the news that the FIA pledge to help with aiding diversity in the sport. He said,” We are delighted the FIA has made this very generous donation of one million euros to the foundation we announced last month”. Mr Carey contunued, “It is a major step in our goal to support key educational and employment opportunities for under represented groups. Both Formula One and the FIA are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion across our sport.”

Meanwhile the Austrian Grand Prix took place on Sunday with Valtterri Bottas coming first, Charles Leclerc second and Lando Morris in third. Speaking after the race Bottas said,” That was definitely quite a bit of pressure. One safety car was still OK, with the last one I was like ‘come on’ – there were so many chances for Lewis to come through if made a small mistake. I managed to keep it together and control the race from my side and it’s a good start to the season.”

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Sports director for the Dutch Grand Prix, Jan Lammers said, “We were completely ready for this race and we still are”. Mr Lammers continued, “We ask everyone to be patient. I had to look forward to it for 35 years, so I can wait another year. Formula 1 and Dutch Grand Prix officials said they had discussed whether to reschedule the meeting for later in the year with no fans but came to the conclusion that they would like to celebrate the moment and return of Formula in Zandvoort together with racing fans.

BBC Sport say that F1 officials are still trying to bring a programme together for the remainder of the season. Two races in the UK at Silverstone have already been planned an agreed on, depending on quarantine rules by government. Belgium have said they are hopeful of hosting a Grand Prix, I reported earlier this month this expected to take place on August 30th at Spa-Francorchamps.

In addition other Formula 1 that are potential hosts for Formula 1 races include Spain, Italy, Hungary and France. Germany’s track in Hockenheim which is not on the original schedule will remain on standby in case there is another slot for a race which other racing tracks can’t fill. BBC say that each of the 10 teams will be limited to a maximum of 80 each.

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Alonso, who is a two time Formula One World Champion decided to leave F1 in 2018. He pursued in racing since then in Indycar Racing, the Dakar Rally and several endurance events. 24 hours Daytona Event in which he was the winner in 2019 was one of the most recent.  He will turn 39 in July, but reports now suggest the Spanish driver will now return to former team Renault next season. Also so won titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.

Alonso’s manager Briatore speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport said, “Fernando is motivated. A year out of Formula 1 has done him good. He has detoxed himself and I see him more serene and ready to return”. He continued, “We are watching what is happening. Let’s not forget that there is still a championship to run.” Furthermore, the Chief Executive of McLaren speaking to Sky Sport said, that signing Alonso was a no brainer for McLaren, who are looking for a driver to partner Esteban Ocon. Brown said, “Yeah I spoke with him [Alonso] the other day and I was kinda poking around,” Brown said “I think he’s undecided, and if I was running Renault, that’s who I’d put in the car: big name, fast as anyone, won two championships with them, so he’s got history”.

The current Formula One season may get underway in Austria in early July. Two races are set to take place at the Red Bull Ring. Earlier this week, I also reported that Silverstone will likely hold two races. With Stuart Pringle, racing track manager at Silverstone stating, “I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and Formula 1 have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer”.

However, these will be subject to Covid 19 quarantine restrictions. The Belgian Grand Prix will also take place at the end of August at Spa-Francorchamps.

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