Alonso + McLaren = Future?

[C]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7003042.stm

Some interesting excerpts from last weeks hearing:

Dennis told last week's 'spygate' hearing, whose transcripts are now public: "We're not on speaking terms.

"We've not spoken. The relationship between Fernando and I is extremely cold - that is an understatement."

At the weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Dennis said: "My job is to win the World Championship, my job isn't for people to love and hug me.

"If I have difficult relationships with people I have difficult relationships with them."

Contacted after the transcripts were made public, a McLaren spokeswoman said she did not know if Dennis and Alonso spoke last weekend.

[Mictheslik]

I cant see Alonso staying with McLaren for much longer.....

.mic

[Craig.]

There are behind the scenes negotiations going on right now I believe between Renault and Mclaren. Two things lead me to this conclusion, Renault not long ago said they would announce the driver line up for 08 at or just after the Italian GP. This has not happend. Secondly Renault desperately want a seat for Nelson Piquet Jr. There is the possibility of a straight swap, or a monetary reimbursement for Mclaren. All this is rumor right now but quite possible..

[ozzy72]

But doesn't Alonso have a 2 year contract?

[Craig.]

Ron said Fernando only had to come to him and say he wanted his release and he'd be given it. However he also said he wouldn't release him if he doesn't ask for it and expected him to see out his contract in that case. This was before all this spying nonsense.

[MWISimmer]

I've just read this on the ITV F1 website:
[quote]I saw Fernando Alonso on the top floor of Red Bull

[Craig.]

A point that a few people have noted, did you see how he was with the ferrari guys on the podium in belguim? rather buddy buddy, especially considering his recent spat with Massa from the european gp incident. Another one going round with that is, Once Jean todt leaves Ferrari, which could be as soon as next year if either Schumi or Brawn take the job (otherwise he's out in 2009), then Ferrari will take him on, however 2009 is when these rumors have it happening.

[C]

Todays papers were reporting talks between ING and Flavio Briatore - allegedly to discuss raising "funds" to bring the Spanish child back to Renault.

[expat]

Todays papers were reporting talks between ING and Flavio Briatore - allegedly to discuss raising "funds" to bring the Spanish child back to Renault.

So he leaves McLaren, where does he go? Ferrari don't want him, that leaves a couple of other teams. Red Bull have muted interest and Renualt would like the golden child back. The rest "seem" happy with thier drivers. As he is somewhat not wanted and damaged goods (PR), the question of funding is not really on his side. He wants to drive in F1, he will have to accept what he is offered if he leaves. Think back to Damon Hill. World champion does not mean the best drive or top money.

Matt

[Craig.]

The big differance being age, some 10 years almost IIRC?
Fernando has said though he wont be a long term racer, he just wants to win a couple more and leave young, something a team would have to consider aswell.
There's no doubting his ability, whether you like him or not the guys proven he's the best on the grid right now, time and time again. If he wants a schumacher like situation then a team like Honda or Toyota would be his only option, both former powerhouses like Ferrari were, both in a slump like Ferrari and both needing that driver to get them back to the top, in getting that driver both teams would build the team around him. However he would also need to change his attitude to the people around him for it to work.

[Nelson]

[quote="Craig"] There's no doubting his ability, whether you like him or not the guys proven he's the best on the grid right now, time and time again.[quote]

Criag,

[Craig.]

Kimi is fast, but he's inconsistent, he makes mistakes quite a bit, and like you said, he seems to break a lot of cars. I wouldn't say that Kimi isn't effected by pressure, look at the turkish gp, in quali where he messed up the final few corners when he had to pull out a lap time on a lighter fuel load. Cost him the race.
Fernando is by far the more consistent, thats what wins titles these days, what with the new points system. Look at 05, Kimi could and should have won the title, but key mistakes and untimely crashes lost him the title. 06, Michael Schumacher bar far the quickest driver of the season, but a few mistakes and blow ups cost him the title to. Alonso isn't overly worried about winning every race, he grinds it out the whole season. Thats what he's doing now, and I'd still put my money on him doing it again sadly.