Oliver White
Fernando Alonso will no longer drive for the McLaren team, it was confirmed earlier today by manager Luis Garcia. After months of speculation surrounding the double world champion, Alonso’s relationship has finally ended with team boss Ron Dennis. Fernando had a three year contract, but both sides have agreed to part ways and no money will be exchanged for closing the contract early. It has not been confirmed which team will receive Alonso, although it is now likely to be Renault.
Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end. The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now, since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously disrupted the team’s and Fernando’s 2007 Formula One World Championship challenge. Both parties believe that this was the right decision. McLaren Statement.
Perhaps the ending of the relationship has allowed Alonso to relax a little, for when asked about the team, the Spaniard was supportive and polite.
Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out. I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home. I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win. Fernando Alonso.
Alonso is likely to return to Renault, but with a lacklustre car during 2007, winning again may be something the Spaniard will have to sacrifice next year. Toyota are apparently very interested, and although they have a contract with Jarno Trulli, the Japanese team is refusing to confirm its full lineup for next year. Red Bull Racing may also cough up the money to have a world champion on their books, and even Williams may be able to pull a deal together. But all things considered, Renault are likely to be the strongest team to make a serious offer to Alonso. That is if it hasn’t already been done.
The smart money seems to be on Alonso to Renault in exchange for Heikki Kovalainen to McLaren but if that’s the case then it’s a little strange they haven’t announced the whole package at once don’t you think?
Perhaps the news of Alonso’s departure was big enough to risk being leaked to the press so they thought they would pre-empt it and follow up with the rest of the news later in the week.
Either that or he is actually off elsewhere…
I wish I had a couple few hundred million to play with….. I’d purchase Mr. Alonso in a New York Minute! 😉 Oh what a fun year that would be!
[…] Afer much speculation whether Fernando Alonso will leave McLaren, it is now confirmed that the Spanish former world champion will leave the British outfit. Fernando Alonso was supposedly to have a three year contract but both sides have agreed to part ways and no money will be exchanged for closing the contract earlier then expected. […]
[…] Afer much speculation whether Fernando Alonso will leave McLaren, it is now confirmed that the Spanish former world champion will leave the British outfit. Fernando Alonso was supposedly to have a three year contract but both sides have agreed to part ways and no money will be exchanged for closing the contract earlier then expected. […]
I don’t think Alonso should have left Renault in the first place but he had to follow his dream. For me, I never liked McLaren but had to *force* myself to accommodate them (being an Alonso fan).
I think the best choice would be to go to Renault. Williams, Toyota and Red Bull just doesn’t seem a good fit for him. Alonso is a passionate guy that needs to be shown lots of love — to tap the best out of him i.e. like a Rubens Barrichello. Renault is the one that can offer that as they know him and have that *family* team mindset. Williams, Toyota and Red Bull are traditionally not ones that will give lots of support to their driver when it is needed.
Well I was expecting this, even if 3 days ago, Alonso’s manager said(to Italian press) that Alonso would stay with McLaren for at least another year and all problems where solved. Well even with this I’m happy for Alonso that he now can choose his next F1-Team. it seems that all teams(excluding Ferrari) are in line for Fernando, well I put my money on Red-Bull F1 or Renault.
Hey Sebastiano, good to see you here. 🙂
My money is on Renault. Red Bull and Alonso would make an interesting package, and I bet the idea has been fluttering around the Horner’s mind recently, but I can’t see it happening. Likewise, I would like to see Alonso in a Williams, but again I think it is unlikely. According to Flavio Briatore, the team has made the Spaniard an offer and are waiting to hear back. Time will tell…