Nico Rosberg thinks Fernando Alonso's winning days in formula one are over.
In Montreal, Spaniard Alonso passed the ultra-rare 300 grand prix mark, but next weekend he will tackle Le Mans and for 2019 he is linked with Indycar.
Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, said almost everybody wishes for more success in formula one for the two-time world champion.
"We all want to see that, but nobody wants him because of his political games within the team," the German is quoted by Sky Italia.
Rosberg said he is not sure how Alonso can stay motivated to remain in F1 with McLaren.
"I don't know how he does it, I really don't. He knows he's one of the best, but he cannot qualify 14th. It's incredible," the former Mercedes driver said.
Hitting the nail on the head methinks. Every team would love to have him on board because of his skills and popularity, but few drivers want him as team mate, especially among his fellow divas, and none of the teams want the drama and politics he'd bring on board. So he is pretty much stuck down the midfield.
I'm sure if Rosberg is saying it, it's probably true. But other than that one crazy year with McLaren and maybe some of his derision towards Honda, I don't know what are all the politics and drama. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he got along well with Massa, Raikkonen, Button, and Vandoorne. Prior to that with Grosjean and Fisichella. Ferrari adored him to an extent I haven't seen with Vettel. The exit was unpleasant, but I think everyone understood why he was leaving. Then the Honda years... I suppose you could argue he shouldn't have criticized Honda so openly. So my question is, other than that year with McLaren and some radio messages with Honda, is there some other drama and politics I'm missing?
It's true that Ferrari liked him but there was alot of politics at that time, to the point that the time was split in half, Pro and Anti Alonso.
He also openly criticized his engineers in Ferrari when things wasn't going so well.
He threatened Ron Dennis regarding spygate.
He was destructive with Hamilton within Mclaren, you could argue that this was not solely his fault but the consequences is that Mercedes do not want to take chances with him.
maybe he can go back to Renault if Sainz goes back to RB or TR
Perhaps in the future people might make a word in F1 circles, if some one screws up their talent "Don't be an Alonso".
Or, someone might say, "You got Flavio'ed!" He was the one manipulating Alonso behind the scenes! Hope ya'll remember his "work" at Benetton in the 90's, and "Crashgate" in 08'!
Mike Shu was "THE #1" during his time there and he was fine with that. His belief was that Alonso was the 2nd coming, and deserved priority over Hammy. Trust, Alonso didn't screw McLaren all on his own!
Depressing if true, one of the greatest F1 talents ever, the last few years have been a total waste of his talent.
I would be very sad if he quit but then I also hate seeing him driving around in a s**tbox.
Interesting to wonder how Alonso's career would have looked if he hadn't fallen under the influence of Briatore at an early stage? All those terrible, mis-timed choices about which team to move to, all that disruptive politicking which made Alonso seem like toxic waste to the top teams and burned his bridges....
Take Briatore out of the mix and I wonder how much better it could have all turned out for Fernando. Too late now....!
"the German is quoted by Sky Italia"
He actually said this on his Twitter account, answering a follower's question.
oh, Alonso...a driver most brilliant with the once-in-a-generation combination of talent, assertiveness and brains. such a shame his thinking abilities on the track have seldom been present off the track. i salute his self-confidence in biting more than he can chew, which he's done it in many a way and/or occasion, but question the dogmatic belief that he should do so always.
Had a feeling this non-story would get a headline when I saw Rosberg say that.
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Kean
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Wasted talent. :-(