Renault signed Fernando Alonso reasonably than Sebastian Vettel to succeed McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo subsequent 12 months as a result of his stage of motivation was extra convincing, Alain Prost mentioned Saturday. The four-time world champion, who’s an advisor to the French staff, mentioned Renault additionally thought-about signing Valtteri Bottas, at the moment with Mercedes, however most popular Alonso, who might be 40 subsequent 12 months, for a similar causes.
“There have been three nice champions – Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas,” he defined.
“It was rather less apparent for Sebastian, within the sense that his motivation was not very clear. It was additionally tough for Valtteri in that he has the most effective automobile.
“We wished somebody who just isn’t a substitute possibility, however somebody who’s absolutely motivated for the mission.”
Each Vettel, who’s leaving Ferrari on the finish of this 12 months, and Bottas, who received final weekend’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes, are at the moment underneath contract with prime System One groups whereas Alonso has no ties.
Prost mentioned he had talked to Alonso concerning issues about his age and his motivation, notably in relation to widespread reviews of his detrimental perspective throughout his closing interval with McLaren earlier than he left in 2018.
“Sure, that could be a topic that I raised with him,” Prost instructed RMC Sport.
“Frankly, that is the dangerous aspect, however he talks about it brazenly.
“He says that he has modified rather a lot and that his sabbatical years have matured him. In a means, he is aware of that he has no proper to disappoint on this stage.”
Prost additionally rejected strategies that Renault had signed Alonso for advertising and marketing goals, reasonably than his racing expertise – which introduced him two titles, in 2005 and 2006, when he was beforehand with the staff.
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Prost admitted cash was an element, however added: “Making a alternative just for advertising and marketing can be a mistake, however all of the producers in F1 wish to scale back prices.
“It’s regular that there’s a advertising and marketing side, however that’s not the primary purpose.”
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