Experts ponder Alonso-McLaren split
Quote selected text Published by clive November 2nd, 2007 in Formula 1
As formula one fans digest the news that Fernando Alonso is back on the driver market, some of the sport’s experts are split over whether the decision is a good move for the Spaniard or McLaren.
“He lost the world championship by one point and if he’d have thought hard enough over the winter I’m sure he could’ve come back fighting next year with McLaren against (Lewis) Hamilton,” Gary Anderson, formerly technical boss at Jaguar and Jordan, told the Irish broadcaster Setanta.
It is speculated that the 26-year-old could be bound for Renault, Williams or Red Bull, while the favourites for Alonso’s McLaren seat are Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen.
Anderson said he can imagine a move for Alonso to Red Bull.
“(Renault boss) Flavio Briatore basically manages Mark Webber, so it wouldn’t be wrong to see Webber disappearing to Renault and Alonso’s coming into Red Bull,” he added.
Michael Schumacher, meanwhile, said last week that he doubts Alonso is limbering up for a switch to Ferrari — even if he has to spend a season at a private team.
“I have to disappoint all of Fernando’s fans — I don’t think anything will happen in that direction in the next three years,” said Schumacher, a five time champion in a Maranello built car, and still a Ferrari advisor.
Legendary British commentator Murray Walker called the McLaren-Alonso split “a good thing”.
“There’s been a great deal of adverse publicity for the sport as a result of Alonso’s petulance and attitude during the season,” he told the Sun newspaper.
Walker would not, however, rule out a switch for Alonso to Ferrari.
“Although Ferrari have signed Felipe Massa, it seems contracts can be ripped up,” the 84-year-old observed.
Fellow British commentator James Allen told the broadcaster ITV that he believes Alonso’s short McLaren tenure damaged the Spaniard.
“The leaking of Alonso’s grievances weakened his position in the paddock, as it made him look like a trouble maker,” Allen said.
“Many teams were saying by the end of the season, that they would not want him anywhere near them.”
Bookmark to:
- F1 changes make Alonso ponder retirement
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- McLaren confirms Alonso split
- Alonso could reunite with McLaren - report
- McLaren plays down new Alonso talks
aracerdude wrote:
Seems to be the understatement of the year….contracts seem useless in F1 except as a revenue source during the buy-out stage.
Makes you wonder why they bother signing them.
If it’s Red Bull then please let it be Webber who makes way!
We shall see, we shall see…
aracerdude wrote:
Clive….the agents have to make a living somehow.
Of course - it’s in F1 Agents 101: Writing contracts for tearing up.
how about mark webber to Renault fisi out and alonso to red bull
I think Fizzy out goes without saying. Would Renault want Webber, however?
I think there is more to this that what they’re making public.
I believe that Ron, Alonso and his lawer already know who is the next team for Alonso.
Well Red Bull is a customer team of Renault so
the possibility exists
That’s true, Andrew. Interesting…
James Allen’s words are interesting. I believe all the crap from Alonso this year about McLaren favouring Hamilton stem from a dose of temporary (?) youthful loss of confidence, occasioned when a rookie matched and sometimes beat him
As some noted commentator stated, Alonso’s drive in Brazil lacked fire and dedication. He didn’t have Hamilton’s excuse of a misbehaving car and he could have gained his 3rd championship. Could his career be going the Villeneuve way?
You mean without even the excuse of an uncompetitive car, Mike?
Yes Clive. In some ways I think Alonso’s biggest problem this past season has been inside Alonso’s head. By the way Clive, I am in New Zealand, where are you?
I’m in Massachusetts, Mike - an Englishman living in the States.