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James Allison has decided not to return to the Renault Formula 1 team, Autosport has learned.

Renault made an approach for Allison in June as it sought to enhance its line up following its takeover of Lotus six months previously.

The French team's hand was further strengthened when Allison left Ferrari at the end of July after three years at Maranello, despite signing a contract extension in September last year that would have kept him at the team until 2018.

But despite ongoing negotiations over the past two months, Allison feels a fourth stint at Enstone is not for him, having previously worked as a junior designer, head of aerodynamics and technical director on his three previous spells.

It is understood Allison has expressed concerns about Renault's apparent lack of leadership behind the scenes.

Rudderless Renault's F1 goals are a pipedream

Aside from Allison, Sergio Perez was eager to join Renault, only to pull out given what he saw as backroom complications and re-sign with Force India for 2017.

It is believed Allison is still eager to return to F1, and with a UK-based team, primarily to continue to spend time with his three children after suffering the sudden loss of wife Rebecca in late March to meningitis.