Most people in the F1 community were deeply disheartened when Fernando Alonso called his Formula 1 career quits. The Spaniard had dazzled everyone with his race craft for nearly 15 years, en route to winning two championships with Renault.

However, the start of this year marked his return to a former team where it all started off for him. As 2021 edges closer, he is only making himself feel at home with the French team.

Alonso has spoken about the drawn parallels of his career with that of Michael Schumacher’s. The fact that he has returned to F1 at the age of 39 talks volumes about his passion and determination.

Fernando Alonso has confidence in the Renault car for next season

Speaking in an interview, Alonso is quoted as saying, “Michael had better cars during his career. And when he came back he had a normal one, everyone was disappointed.”

“In my case it could happen the other way around. I had poor cars in the last five years of my career and now it may surprise people.” said Alonso on the topic. (translated via Google Translate)

This could be a sign of faith that Alonso has in the 2021 Renault car. His involvement has become key in the team’s strategy meetings for both this and the next year, in a bid to improve their standing.

He used filming days in Barcelona to get up to speed. Moreover, ‘Magic Alonso’ underwent testing in Bahrain yesterday, with the 2018 Renault car. Putting in close to 100 laps, the Spanish driver dedicated focus on getting to grips with the controls and handling.

Renault have been competitive for large parts of 2020

The French manufacturer works team has significantly improved over the course of the season. This is demonstrated by Daniel Ricciardo’s two podium finishes in the last three races.

Of course, it might just be the Australian’s ability to guide the team home and keep up the pressure from the midfield. Then again, Fernando is no doe-eyed rookie himself, he has years of experience under his belt.

Regardless, it will excite fans to see one of the best F1 racers take to the track in 2021. There will be immense anticipation to watch how he does well in an improving Renault car, who will eye more podium finishes in the future.