F1 | Flavio Briatore: “Fernando is disappointed”

Fernando Alonso's return to the circus was certainly long awaited by fans and professionals, but the first results on the track certainly did not meet the Spanish driver's expectations. Already during the tests, Renault, now the Alpine F1 Team, encountered more than a few difficulties, problems that were still evident during the free practice of the inaugural grand prix of the season. The two-time world champion from Asturias managed a miracle, taking his A521 all the way to Q3 in qualifying, while teammate Esteban Ocon turned off the engines at the end of Q1. The miracle, unfortunately, did not continue in the race, with Alonso forced to retire due to baking paper stuck in his brakes. Fernando, however, knows well what the objectives are at hand for 2021.

Flavio Briatore, manager, mentor and friend of the Spanish driver, told Adnkronos how much Fernando expected a different return to Formula 1 after the two sabbatical years.

"I spoke to him on the phone – said Briatore – andwas disappointed, even though he knew what Renault's results would be this year".

"They should focus on next year, although working to catch up when you're so far behind isn't easy. I believe they will remain between twelfth and fifteenth position" the Italian manager ruled.

Different words from Alain Prost, Renault advisor since 2017.

"Fernando is a perfectionist who demands a lot from the team – admitted the French world champion to Le Figaro- at the same time, he understands that it is impossible to constantly fight for the podium this year. But I can say that he will fight for every single point".

According to Prost, Alonso is aware of the team's potential for 2021, but the game is all being played with a view to 2022: the changes in regulations could bring surprises, and who knows, Renault might benefit greatly from them.