Renault talked to Vettel and Bottas before re-signing Alonso - Prost
- Published on 16 Jul 2020 13:43
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- By: Coilin Higgins
Former F1 champion Alain Prost has confessed Renault was in discussions with Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas before finally resigning Fernando Alonso for a third time.
Prost, an advisor to the F1 team, revealed the team talked to both Vettel and Bottas and the team's thoughts into signing these drivers before making the decision to sign Alonso as a replacement to McLaren bound Daniel Ricciardo for 2021.
Prost also assured that Alonso is aware of the current performance and ability of the team, but it motivated to do well and push the team forwards upon his return to F1 next year and that talks of a return were on the cards since 2019's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Fernando was one of the three top drivers we were talking to – Sebastian (Vettel) and Valtteri also. But Valtteri is driving a Mercedes, it’s difficult for him to leave the Mercedes team at the moment,” Prost told Reuters.
“We did not know exactly what was the motivation of Sebastian... but Fernando has always shown his motivation to come back to the team. Even last year, in Abu Dhabi we had a long discussion with him.
“What happened with Fernando and different teams was my biggest problem and question mark. I talked to Fernando many times about that.
“I really trust him that he’s going to have another philosophy. Two years outside Formula One, in my opinion, was maybe not bad for him to have a different feeling, different view.
“He knows what he’s going to get in terms of performance of the car, he knows that 2021 is also going to be a little bit difficult. He’s prepared for that... I really think he’s going to be very different than people understand.”
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Replies (13)
Login to replymcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
I have a feeling that, Prost is a great driver but not a good manager. Why would they need a costly driver, before fixing that car? Renault's marketing guys must be daunting him to sign a big name before their performance review.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Formula 1 works teams exists primarily as a marketing device to sell more road cars. Alonso and Hamilton are probably the only two F1 drivers that have global appeal. Alonso will not only be able to deliver on track but also elevate Renault's profile massively.
The cost to bring Alonso? I expect that it's not more cash than Ricciardo would make. Especially since I'm expecting to see the Kimoa logo prominently on the car as part of his compensation package
siggy74
Posts: 194
Be less cost than Riccy ;p
But that Renault car, will carry a Kimoa advertising :D
Kean
Posts: 692
Also, Renault might not be the only ones paying Alonso. He's such a popular driver his coming back will do alot for F1. I'm guessing Carey and the boys are helping paying the bill.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
@Kean they aren't allowed to involve themselves in that fashion with a team. Exceptions can be made, but would have to go through the other teams to be approved. Can you see the others approving donations to Renault not for survival but to hire a driver?
Kean
Posts: 692
@Calle, I remember reading something to that effect a while back. It wouldn't be a donation to Renault, they pay what they can afford. The extra money would come directly from F1 to Alonso.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But it'd still benefit Renault, so such a move wouldn't be legal without agreement.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
ehhhmmmm, leopard's don't change their spots............ Monsieur Prost surely must know that.....exciting games to come boys.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It's time for Kimi or Grosjean to go, make room for drivers of Perez' calibre.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
It would be a disservice to Perez to be appointed to either of Haas or Alfa. I wish F1 implements strict conflict of interest rules to prevent nepotism from creeping into the competitive sport.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yup, but I'd rather have him there, because no seat would be detrimental to his career.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Grosjean to go for sure - he's not an F1 driver calibre and nowhere near Sergio's standing. He brings big bucks too I recall so a team like HAAS I would have thought would be welcoming of that.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
He sure do, his backers are the biggest reason for RP still being around. Grosjean doesn't bring any significant backing.