'Alonso targeting Mercedes or Ferrari for 2018'
- Published on 03 Jul 2017 11:45
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Flavio Briatore has stated that Fernando Alonso is targeting a move to either Mercedes or Ferrari for 2018, as the Spaniard looks to get back behind the wheel of a championship winning car. Alonso has been left frustrated by the lack of competition over the past three years, as McLaren has struggled with engine partner Honda.
Alonso has been very vocal about his displeasure with Honda, and Briatore, who is part of Alonso's management team, says that he will do all that he can to make sure his man can compete at the front of the field next season: "Fernando must go to Mercedes or Ferrari," the Italian told Auto Motor und Sport. "Renault is still a good distance from being a top team."
Comparing Alonso's situation to football, Briatore said that choosing the right team in Formula 1 is much more difficult as the availability and opportunity to drive at a top team is so narrow: "There are ten attractive clubs in Europe," he said. "Messi would have a much wider choice. In Formula 1 you can only win with three teams."
Briatore also didn't hold back when pinning the blame on an individual: "This is Ron Dennis' fault," he insisted. "He instigated the problem at McLaren in 2007, and Mercedes had nothing to do with it at the time."
Many view a return to Ferrari unlikely, due to the unsavoury terms that Alonso left the team in 2014. Mercedes are also reportedly unwilling to sign Alonso because of the Spygate scandal in 2007.
"For every expert and fan, it is bitter to see a driver like Fernando fighting with dull weapons," Gerhard Berger said. "On the other hand, Alonso left a lot of scorched earth behind him at Mercedes and Ferrari and has to take it on the chin if it doesn't work out," he added.
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (7)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Can't see it happening.. Either McLaren stay or IndyCar drive
ianf1
Posts: 185
Seconded. Either will only happen if the resident number one driver moves on thus allowing FA in, which I don't see happening.
NEXT SPARE VAMP
Posts: 1,874
Why would Mercedes want Alonso alongside of Hamilton? Bottas is doing a good job.
Why would Ferrari want Alonso alongside of Vettel? Kimi is doing a good job and if Kimi should go, they could get Ricciardo or even Verstappen to drive for them.
krommenaas
Posts: 155
If Mercedes had Alonso instead of Bottas, they'd be almost certain to win the WCC this year. If Ferrari had Alonso instead of Kimi, same thing. That's why.
Samouri
Posts: 25
Max's manager and father Jos, seem to be not to happy with the problems the kid has been experiencing so far this season. Both Mercedes or Ferrari would look to secure the service's of Verstappen, rather than Alonso.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
Agree with you Samouri, I could see MaxV heading to Ferrari ahead of Alonso. I seriously think FA may have missed the boat.
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
i can´t see either Verstappen/Ricciardo at Merc or Ferrari in the next year(s), nor do i see Alonso there.. Probably he´s back at Renault or he´s going to Williams or Haas... I can´t imagine him getting a top drive at the top three..