Renault and Fernando Alonso - an uncertain relationship
The two time world champion and current Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso won both of his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 after an astonishing performance as he defeated Michael Schumacher in his last two years in the sport and ended his boring 5 year
championship winning streak. The Spaniard was the step that took Renault to ultimate glory as the team was able to secure both drivers and constructors’ titles during their high point.
Renault debuted in Formula 1 way back in 1977 before withdrawing from the sport in 1985. The team was able to produce some good results during this time as they finished in 2nd place in the constructors’ in 1983. However, the team decided to return
to the Formula 1 grid in 2002 and it seemed that the team returned back strongly.
After scoring above average results from 2002-2004, Renault proved that they have what it takes to make it to the top but one has to admit, it would never have been possible if it weren’t for Fernando Alonso. However, Fernando without a shadow of a doubt
would not have achieved these titles if it weren’t for Renault and Flavio Briatore, Renault’s team boss back then.
The Spaniard joined the sport in 2001 with Minardi but proved that he has the pace and potential to race against the top teams. He was offered a full racing spot by Renault in 2003 after which, Fernando gave nothing but glory to the team. After two surprising
titles, Fernando moved to his dream team McLaren but things did not work out between the Spaniard and the team so therefore, Alonso was forced to return to Renault for two years before joining Ferrari in 2010.
The Ferrari driver was looking brilliant this year and after winning 2010’s inaugural race. The 2010 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Spaniard but in the end, Fernando was able to pull it all together and until the final race, lead the drivers’ championship
by 246 points. Alonso was trailed by Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton by 8, 15 and 22 point respectively.
Even though Lewis was the least favourite out of the four as a potential 2010 champion before the grand finale in Abu Dhabi, Lewis was a potential threat to at least one of the teams out of Red Bull and Ferrari and Hamilton definitely was one of the championship
swingers by the end of the race along with Jenson Button and Vitaly Petrov from Renault. Yes, Vitaly Petrov was the man of the show and Red Bull owe their drivers’ championship to him more than anyone.
The young Russian driver was able to hold back the Spaniard throughout the race after Fernando took a pathetic pit stop in the 16th lap in order to shift to hard tyres. As a result, Alonso finished in 7th place and since Sebastian Vettel won
the race, the young Red Bull driver was crowned as the 2010 champion.
Fernando was furious and signalled Vitaly angrily after the end of the race while driving towards the pits alongside his Renault. However, one has to admit that it is not Vitaly’s job to secure Fernando Alonso, a Ferrari driver the drivers’ title. Petrov
was doing his job and his job is to finish with maximum possible points for his team. It is quite clear that Renault cost Fernando the 2010 title, the same team that helped the Spaniard win the drivers’ title twice.
However, the Spaniard is more determined than ever and is definitely going to throw everything he has in his pockets in order to avenge this defeat next season.
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