At the end of 2018, Fernando Alonso stepped away from McLaren and Formula 1 for good.

However, it appears that Liberty Media have realised that the Spaniard could be a real crowd-puller, and want him to return to the grid.

Reports have emerged that the Formula 1 owners are pushing Mercedes to take on Alonso as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2021, should the Brit eventually choose to sign for Ferrari.

German publication Auto Bild claim Liberty are actively pursuing Alonso and see an opportunity after Hamilton’s reported contact with Ferrari.

This news comes after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted that Liberty had previously pushed them to take on the double world champion.

“We immediately said that there is no need for Alonso,” Marko said, per insideracing.com.

“It’s also not possible because of our engine partner Honda. If they even hear the name Alonso, all their hackles are up.”

Clearly the effects of Alonso’s incessant and often contemptible criticism of Honda during the Japanese manufacturer’s partnership with McLaren are still very much present in the engine supplier’s memory.

If Hamilton decides to move on from Mercedes in 12 months and join the house of Maranello, Liberty would be foolish not to push the Silver Arrows to hire Alonso.

Such a scenario would equate to a “pure money printing machine” for Liberty, comparable to “the golden age of big boxing matches between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier.”

Hamilton has reportedly met with Ferrari twice this year, saying he sees "no harm" in speaking to Mercedes' rival.

The Woking team, however, remain confident of retaining the six-time world champion long term.