PowerandtheGlory wrote: ↑03 Feb 2020, 14:10
wesley123 wrote: ↑03 Feb 2020, 13:58
Why would they ever want to sign a driver who is long past his prime, hasn't raced in F1 for 2 years and isn't really renowned for working well with his teammates?
There is absolutely no reason whatsoever. Especially with all the talent around, including their own driver program.
Its a big gamble, Alonso brings some baggage and will likley ask for at least 15-20 million... But Renault might expect to make that back in sponsorship alone if they confirm him early enough in 2020.. i think the time 'out' of F1 wont help him.. in terms of the technical aspect- but if he's going to be in the 'Simulator' prepping the 2021 car- then it will almost be 'designed around him'.. Pros and Cons...
If we take McLAren as an example; He didn't bring any sponsorship to the team, if anything sponsors were jumping out. They lost Hilton, Johhny Walker, Exxonmobil, Hugo Boss etc. Only now that he is gone do we see new deals popping up in the team.
Also, this salary is something that could be spent on the car, where it can make the difference. It also seems like a waste of time building around someone who would most likely just sit a few years, will complain more often than not, challenge another driver's career. And for what? The new superstars are around, older drivers are slowly being beat and pushed out, and Alonso has already been pushed out by the youngsters.