Breaking news
Formula 1
Alonso already messaging Ocon about Renault plans
Esteban Ocon says that Fernando Alonso has already been messaging him about their plans to help Renault move forward in Formula 1 next year.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Jul 9, 2020, 7:07 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Alonso's F1 comeback with Renault in 2021 was confirmed on Wednesday, with the Spaniard replacing Daniel Ricciardo as Ocon's teammate.
Ocon has revealed that within hours of Alonso's deal being announced, the double world champion was in touch with him.
Asked for his views on Alonso's signing, Ocon said: "He's very, very motivated. I had him on the text yesterday, and he's very keen to come back.
"We just chatted about the opportunity there is in the next years, and how the field is close at the moment. I think there is a good chance of doing well if we work well [together]."
Although Alonso has not always got on perfectly with his teammates, Ocon said he had no qualms about going up alongside him next year.
"So far what I know is that Fernando is a very cool guy," he said. "I know we've chatted a lot of times when he was on the track and we also had quite a few text messages before he came. But now again he's very keen to come back.
"He is very keen to make the project move forward. He's very aware of what we need to do and what the chances are, and, you know, I'm pretty sure we can have a great collaboration together."
Read Also:
- How Renault plans to manage the "new" Alonso
- "New" Alonso has shaken off "toxic" baggage, says Renault
- What Fernando Alonso’s return really means for F1 and Renault
Asked if he felt signing a veteran like Alonso was the right choice for Renault, Ocon said: "Well, I'm very happy with having Fernando, of course, as my teammate.
"Working with a legend like him is a fantastic benchmark for me you know. It would be two strong teammates with Daniel and Fernando for me, so on that side I'm very happy."
While Ricciardo is excited about seeing what Alonso can do in the future, he ruled out any suggestion of giving up his car for the Spaniard to help him prepare for his return.
"No," he said when asked about the prospect. "I heard the words "help Fernando Alonso". He doesn't need any help. It didn't look like he's slowed down at all with age.
"His last season in F1 was a pretty strong one from everything I heard and saw. The results weren't always there, but as far as getting the most of the car, I think it was pretty evident that he was strong.
"I don't think he needs help. I don't know if he'll be trackside at a few races or not. As far as him sitting in on meetings and giving feedback, absolutely no worries. But I'll do as much driving as I can."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Second race "massive opportunity" to test Ferrari upgrades
Next article Mercedes, Ferrari set for COVID protocols warning
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Fernando Alonso
“Am I confident? Probably not” – The unprecedented challenge Singapore is throwing at F1 drivers
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
“Am I confident? Probably not” – The unprecedented challenge Singapore is throwing at F1 drivers
Fernando Alonso set for Dakar Rally comeback with Aston Martin
Dakar
Dakar
Fernando Alonso set for Dakar Rally comeback with Aston Martin
More from
Renault F1 Team
“I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
Formula 1
Formula 1
“I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Formula 1
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
On this day: Michael Schumacher’s final unsportsmanlike manoeuvre
Formula 1
Formula 1
Monaco GP
On this day: Michael Schumacher’s final unsportsmanlike manoeuvre
Latest news
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
1 h
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
NASCAR Cup Phoenix starting lineup: Blaney earns pole as Larson struggles
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
2 h
NASCAR Cup Phoenix starting lineup: Blaney earns pole as Larson struggles
Ryan Blaney kind of faces a must-win scenario this weekend at Phoenix
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
3 h
Ryan Blaney kind of faces a must-win scenario this weekend at Phoenix
Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
3 h
Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe