According to the latest reports, Fred Vasseur could leave Alfa Romeo at the end of 2020. News from the rumor mill suggests a potential return to Renault F1 for the Frenchman. As with all rumors, take this news with a pinch of salt.
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Alfa Romeo F1 team principal Vasseur to Renault?
Frederic Vasseur initially started out in Formula 1 as a team principal for Renault F1. The Frenchman was in charge of the reformed Renault F1 team – which was making its F1 return in 2016. Unfortunately, Renault’s return to F1 wasn’t very successful.
The Enstone outfit finished ninth in the Constructors’ standings and had to make significant improvements. At the end of 2016, Vasseur left the French team after an alleged disagreement with then managing director Cyril Abiteboul. Before the start of 2017, Sauber announced Vasseur as its team principal for the following season.
Vasseur’s involvement with Sauber has led to a change of fortunes at the Swiss outfit. One of the Frenchman’s boldest decisions was canceling a deal with Honda as an engine supplier. Mere hours after taking charge, Vasseur stopped Sauber from signing the Japanese manufacturer for 2018.
Imago
ABITEBOUL Cyril (fr) Renault Sport managing director ambiance portrait VASSEUR Frederic (fra) racing director Renault Sport Racing F1 team ambiance portrait during the 2016 Formula One World Championship, United States of America Grand Prix from October 21 to 23 in Austin, Texas, USA – Photo Frederic Le Floch / DPPI.
Fred’s choice to stick with Ferrari engines was ultimately the right call in 2018. As a result, the Swiss outfit finished a respectable eighth that year and repeated the same feat in 2019. On the other hand, Renault has been on the rise since its return to the sport. The French team only went from strength to strength except for the 2019 season when the team lost to McLaren in the Constructors Standings.
Getting Vasseur onboard will surely boost Renault’s chances of getting back to the top once again. Furthermore, Renault’s primary goal is to fight for podiums and challenge the big teams.
Back in 2019, rumors reported a possible exit for Alfa Romeo from F1. Vasseur denied the reports and asserted the team was in it for the long run.
“It’s a long-term deal with Alfa Romeo and we can only build up something if you have the long-term or mid-term view. You can’t build up something with a project of three months” said Vasseur, speaking to Motorsport.
Allegedly, Vasseur’s contract with the Swiss team expires at the end of this season. In the world of F1, nothing is set in stone and Alfa Romeo’s team principal could leave after all.
