Esteban Ocon Warned of Stoffel Vandoorne’s Fate at Renault With Fernando Alonso’s Return
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USA Today via Reuters
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series driver Fernando Alonso during the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Fernando Alonso will make a re-entry into Formula 1 with Renault for the 2021 season. He will be lining up alongside the Frenchman, Esteban Ocon. Jolyon Palmer, a former Renault driver himself, feels that Ocon will need to raise his game before the 2021 season if he wishes to avoid ending up like Stoffel Vandoorne.
Palmer is convinced that despite staying off of Formula 1 for over two years, he could still give a good fight to Ocon. “Fernando Alonso is returning in to fill Ricciardo’s shoes in 2021,” said Palmer.
“And with the Spaniard’s recent visit to the team’s factories and insistence on being closely in the loop through the remainder of this year as well, it seems he could be at least as stiff competition for Ocon.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Renault’s Esteban Ocon during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
“If Alonso comes back at somewhere near the level he left F1 a couple of years ago, then Ocon will need to raise his game in the remaining race and through the winter to not be left behind.”
Palmer warns Ocon of the consequences he might face if he underperforms in next season. “He only has to look at the podium interviewer last weekend to see the risks,” Palmer said.
“Stoffel Vandoorne was the man with the microphone. He was dropped from F1 after a tough season in 2018 against Alonso. Ocon has had promising moments but is yet to look fully on top of things in 2020,” Palmer said.
Esteban Ocon is yet to showcase his true pace since his comeback into Formula 1. He struggled to keep up with his teammate Daniel Ricciardo over most parts of this season.
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Fernando Alonso Looking Forward to Racing With Renault
During Alonso’s recent visit to the Renault Factory, he revealed that he looking forward to racing with the team.
via Reuters
Formula One world champion and reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Fernando Alonso, together with Marc Coma at Dakar Rally 2020 // Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool | Courtesy: REUTERS
“I think the team is in good shape for the future,” Alonso said. “The last few races were encouraging for everyone, for myself too. To see Renault back in a competitive manner is a good thing for the sport, and I’ve been delighted to see the improvements.”
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Alonso secured both his world championship titles with Renault back in 2005 and 2006, and he’ll be looking to build on it come 2021.
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