Alpine paves the way for a possible Alonso comeback.

      "He's an amazing individual."

      Alpine is leaving the possibility open for Fernando Alonso's possible return to the team. The two-time champion departed the F1 team at the end of 2022 after long-term contract negotiations did not succeed. The management of the Renault-operated team stated at that time that the then 41-year-old's age was a concern. Since then, Alpine's management has undergone a complete overhaul, particularly with the return of Alonso's longtime manager, Flavio Briatore. Meanwhile, the contract of the 32-time Grand Prix winner with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of 2026, though he has mentioned that he will continue to be associated with the brand even after he stops racing.

      However, during the launch of a book this week, Renault CEO Luca de Meo emphasized that he still holds Alonso in very high esteem. "He's an incredible guy," he was quoted as saying by Car and Driver. "He left us at Alpine partly because of a mistake on our part. "Perhaps we didn't treat him the way we should have, but we maintain a very good relationship," added de Meo. "I have a lot of respect for him - he’s a remarkable champion and someone with true ambition. "There are very few people who possess Fernando’s level of determination. He’s an excellent driver, especially when you have a car that’s, let’s say, not quite up to par," he said with a smile.

      Nevertheless, de Meo wished Alonso success with his current endeavor. "I hope he does well with Aston Martin, as he deserves it," the Italian expressed. De Meo detailed that during that time, he was grappling with merely keeping the F1 team and the automaker afloat. "We were losing money every single day," he stated. "Some people questioned my sanity for taking the job. "It was already planned to close the team down, which I opposed. I found a way to invest. But in F1, you endure challenges every weekend. I still haven’t discovered the formula for victory."