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Ron Dennis can't confirm Alonso will be driving next year


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#201 TyreSmokeDownshift

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Posted 23 February 2016 - 17:52

If it did end up happening (it most likely won't but you never know), it would be one of the worst things (driver-wise) to happen to McLaren since a disgruntled driver walked into Dennis's office and said:

 

'Hello. My name is Juan Pablo Montoya. You killed my chances of winning. Prepare to die... or accept my resignation'*

 

*I only wrote this to make that joke. 



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#202 Mat13

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Posted 23 February 2016 - 18:38

Erm.. a lot of people do since he's the best Mclaren got to offer right now.


You forgot Button. *ducks*

#203 Acathla

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Posted 24 February 2016 - 09:32

You forgot Button. *ducks*

 

I was merely replying to a "who cares about Alonso" post. :) Of course Jenson is there, but in the end I see more potential in Alonso. Maybe this year will prove that's wrong.... 



#204 Nonesuch

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Posted 24 February 2016 - 10:12

Case closed.

 

Unfortunately Alonso is his own worst enemy on this. His love affair with Ferrari, whilst he was already on the out and signing with McLaren (of all teams), hasn't been forgotten by a press hungry for stories about what is still one of the stars of the series.



#205 Seanspeed

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 14:16

Case closed.

"When asked if a return to McLaren was tempting, Alonso said: "Not really. I love Ferrari and I will stay at Ferrari until the end [of my contract]." 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk...la-one/24171278

 

His contract was due to end after 2015.  

 

"“However, on this topic, it’s a year now that I’ve been saying I want to stay at Ferrari and extend my contract. That’s my wish, I repeat it every two weeks, at the end of every race, yet it’s never said, in fact there is a tendency for the opposite to be said."

 

http://www.f1fanatic...rrari-contract/

 

“I repeat it more or less every weekend and I keep repeating it, I love Ferrari and I will stay until the end,”

 

http://www.independe...ri-8830509.html

 

Said in 2014. 

 

Not saying he'll definitely leave, but boy, the case is definitely not closed.  Alonso's words are notoriously meaningless.  



#206 sopa

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 14:35

I do think Alonso carries on driving for McLaren, but one thing is sure - this experience of driving uncompetitive cars, this career choice and the utterly rubbish 2015 McLaren has given a huge hit on his ego. It must have been shocking for him, who deep down knows his value as a racing driver and how he can easily compete for WDCs in the right cars. "Reality check" versus "dreams".

 

We know drivers have been making bad career choices, and Alonso is the other one, who after some reflection could say that things/life realities are not quite what he was dreaming of. It  would be a monumental effort to still keep up the motivation, and fight for scraps with all the talent he has, and hold his head high.

 

Alonso may have left Ferrari, while believing that "grass could be greener on the other side", but now he must be like "omg/wow, what is that..." Which means that it is not easy for him to make the next career choice, while reflecting on the shocking current one.

 

I guess Button experienced something similar in 2007-2008 crap Hondas. He was messing around with BAR and Williams contracts in 2004-06 like a kid... but developed a lot of maturity during the subsequent hard years. Personally I think the 2007-08 period taught Button more than any other period in his career, and the same thing is happening with Alonso right now.


Edited by sopa, 25 February 2016 - 14:40.


#207 Seanspeed

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 14:42

I do think Alonso carries on driving for McLaren, but one thing is sure - this experience of driving uncompetitive cars, this career choice and the utterly rubbish 2015 McLaren has given a huge hit on his ego. It must have been shocking for him, who deep down knows his value as a racing driver and how he can easily compete for WDCs in the right cars. "Reality check" versus "dreams".

 

We know drivers have been making bad career choices, and Alonso is the other one, who after some reflection could say that things/life realities are not quite what he was dreaming of. It  would be a monumental effort to still keep up the motivation, and fight for scraps with all the talent he has, and hold his head high.

 

Alonso may have left Ferrari, while believing that "grass could be greener on the other side", but now he must be like "omg/wow, what is that..." Which means that it is not easy for him to make the next career choice, while reflecting on the shocking current one.

 

I guess Button experienced something similar in 2007-2008 crap Hondas. He was messing around with BAR and Williams contracts in 2004-06 like a kid... but developed a lot of maturity during the subsequent hard years. Personally I think the 2007-08 period taught Button more than any other period in his career, and the same thing is happening with Alonso right now.

I kinda feel Alonso has went through this already when he returned to Renault in 2008.  That year wasn't *that* bad, especially by the end, but 2009 was rough as the car was a proper pig.  



#208 sopa

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 15:02

I kinda feel Alonso has went through this already when he returned to Renault in 2008.  That year wasn't *that* bad, especially by the end, but 2009 was rough as the car was a proper pig.  

 

At least back then Alonso already had a Ferrari contract in his pocket, so he knew he just had to go through that tough 2009, and everything "would be fine" afterwards. Now it is much harder to see the long-term future.



#209 Nonesuch

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 15:11

Now it is much harder to see the long-term future.

 

Alonso has for years expressed enthusiasm and interest in other series.

 

I'm sure the sunset of his career will still provide his fans plenty to get excited about.

 

5cWWYQa.jpg



#210 Gorma

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 19:45

Alonso has for years expressed enthusiasm and interest in other series.

I'm sure the sunset of his career will still provide his fans plenty to get excited about.

We rarely see true F1 superstars in other racing series. It would be great to see Fernando in Le
Mans.

#211 Montie

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 19:50

You are right. Autobild is suggesting that McLaren is expecting that Alonso will leave during this season, thats why they didnt allowed Vandoorne to drive for Renault :stoned:

http://www.autobild....um-8658459.html


Pure speculation from Autobild. Rumours dismissed by Vassuer.

#212 Marklar

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 20:38

Half of the preseason done. Now we have a lot to analyze, apply and test next week. And the most important thing... arrive in Australia at 100%! Let's do it!
#mclarenhonda #test

 

https://www.instagra.../p/BCORAunhmix/

 

Sounds good



#213 maverick69

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 20:45

If Fred gets the hump in the first few races - and see's no improvement, then there's a hell of a chance he will foxtrot oscar IMHO. 

 

There's bound to be some pretty stringent performance clauses this year - and Enstone are not exactly hiding the fact that they'd love him back.



#214 BJHF1

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 20:55

And what exactly does Renault have to offer Alonso? Certainly nothing of promise anytime soon.

At this point in time in Fernando's career, if the McHonda partnership doesn't pan out and he decides to jump ship, it would probably be for a Mercedes/Ferrari seat or bust (retirement).

Alonso's had far too many lack luster rides over the course of his career...can't see him having the patience to deal with another maturing project.

#215 maverick69

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 20:58

And what exactly does Renault have to offer Alonso? Certainly nothing of promise anytime soon.

At this point in time in Fernando's career, if the McHonda partnership doesn't pan out and he decides to jump ship, it would probably be for a Mercedes/Ferrari seat or bust (retirement).

Alonso's had far too many lack luster rides over the course of his career...can't see him having the patience to deal with another maturing project.

The Renault engine is on the up though - and Enstone is really his home. Renault can also afford - and are willing to pay his salary.



#216 BJHF1

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:07

The Renault engine is on the up though - and Enstone is really his home. Renault can also afford - and are willing to pay his salary.


And Mclaren Honda offers basically the same thing, with arguably better resources?

"Enstone may really be his home", but we know he's always had a thing for Mclaren since childhood.

Edited by BJHF1, 25 February 2016 - 21:20.


#217 wj_gibson

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:20

Renault is essentially where it was at the start of 2002 but if anything it has to start from a much lower base. Benetton never allowed the operation to deteriorate in the any GenII did. Whilst I'd expect Renault to eventually win titles again, it's not happening any time soon, and probably not within the remaining timeframe of Alonso's career.

#218 Montie

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:31

I would prefer if Alonso would stay away from Renault. Let him "finish" his Honda project and retire.

#219 RedBaron

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:31

"When asked if a return to McLaren was tempting, Alonso said: "Not really. I love Ferrari and I will stay at Ferrari until the end [of my contract]." 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk...la-one/24171278

 

His contract was due to end after 2015.  

 

"“However, on this topic, it’s a year now that I’ve been saying I want to stay at Ferrari and extend my contract. That’s my wish, I repeat it every two weeks, at the end of every race, yet it’s never said, in fact there is a tendency for the opposite to be said."

 

http://www.f1fanatic...rrari-contract/

 

“I repeat it more or less every weekend and I keep repeating it, I love Ferrari and I will stay until the end,”

 

http://www.independe...ri-8830509.html

 

Said in 2014. 

 

Not saying he'll definitely leave, but boy, the case is definitely not closed.  Alonso's words are notoriously meaningless.  

 

 

Good post  :up:

 

Completely forgot all his staying at Ferrari statements. Like with most things in F1 even if someone tells you a complete definite statement, with a definite answer nothing is definite.

 

 

And Mclaren Honda offers basically the same thing, with arguably better resources?

"Enstone may really be his home", but we know he's always had a thing for Mclaren since childhood.

 

He told that same childhood story when he joined McLaren in 2007... then he left the team early after 1 season. I think like many drivers when they join a new team they create dreams and childhood stories around them to make the move seem real and deep. Like it was meant to be and they have a connection. I don't think the story of when he had a McLaren painted go kart has any real weight to it. It would mean nothing compared to results and progress.

 

He'd burn that go kart in a second in exchange for a seat in the 2016 Mercedes.


Edited by RedBaron, 25 February 2016 - 21:36.


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#220 LeClerc

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:36

Alonso always speaks the truth, except of course when he says something.



#221 BJHF1

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:37

Good post  :up:
 
Completely forgot all his staying at Ferrari statements. Like with most things in F1 even if someone tells you a complete definite statement, with a definite answer nothing is definite.
 
 

 
He told that same childhood story when he joined McLaren in 2007... then he left the team early after 1 season. I think like many drivers when they join a new team they create dreams and even childhood stories/dreams around them to make the move seem real and deep. Like it was meant to be and they have a connection. I don't think the story of when he had a McLaren painted go kart has any real weight to it. It would mean nothing compared to results and progress.
 
He'd burn that go kart in a second in exchange for a seat in the 2016 Mercedes.


I certainly agree :lol: I think I was just pointing out that driving for Renault would probably mean no more to him than driving for Mclaren...as its all about winning at this point in his career.

#222 RedBaron

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:42

I certainly agree :lol: I think I was just pointing out that driving for Renault would probably mean no more to him than driving for Mclaren...as its all about winning at this point in his career.

 

Yeh I think it would too, the Renault story is real. He was back to back double World Champion with Renault, they dethroned Schumacher in he and Ferrari's most dominant era.

 

26n_alonso_wideweb__430x240.jpg

 

I think if Alonso had the choice it would go Ferrari > Renault > McLaren (in terms of if he could have sucess with any team)



#223 as65p

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 21:52

Not saying he'll definitely leave, but boy, the case is definitely not closed.  Alonso's words are notoriously meaningless.  

 

In the same sense as every drivers. You can find similar quotes from Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2005. And they were forgotten just as quickly when he became a Mercedes driver.



#224 RedBaron

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 22:04

In the same sense as every drivers. You can find similar quotes from Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2005. And they were forgotten just as quickly when he became a Mercedes driver.

 

Yeh, although I don't think that is the most solid example as Schumacher did intend to end his career at Ferrari and did for a number of years until lured back. But that doesn't matter. I agree with what you're saying.

 

When Schumacher came back with Mercedes his Ferrari link was slightly watered down and it became his links to Mercedes that were historic. All about when he drove for them in the early days. His links to Norbert Haug etc

 

PR magic to make it seem meant to be. Destined for this team from the start until the end.

 

Then there's Kevin Magnussen just the other day he was talking about how he feels more at home at Renault (than McLaren) because most of his career he was a Renault driver of sorts with the Renault logo on his overalls.

 

If Magnussen switched to Red Bull he would be telling us how his Dad drove for Stewart GP, which eventually became Red Bull (via Jaguar) and it was meant to be and he feels right there.


Edited by RedBaron, 25 February 2016 - 22:07.


#225 Disgrace

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Posted 25 February 2016 - 22:16

Renault is essentially where it was at the start of 2002 but if anything it has to start from a much lower base. Benetton never allowed the operation to deteriorate in the any GenII did. Whilst I'd expect Renault to eventually win titles again, it's not happening any time soon, and probably not within the remaining timeframe of Alonso's career.

 

Not in terms of results. Benetton were racing Minardi for most of 2001 before their season was saved by a high-attrition race and more to their credit, a redesigned aero package that helped secure a podium. Lotus scored a single podium last season, third at Spa funnily enough, and finished 6th in the WCC despite zero development and having a clown in one of the seats. The foundations seem pretty solid to me. Vis-a-vis Alonso, I agree that it will take too long for them to become championship competitors but I think that has much more to do with other larger factors.



#226 sopa

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Posted 26 February 2016 - 08:54

And what exactly does Renault have to offer Alonso? Certainly nothing of promise anytime soon.

 

I agree...

 

At this stage I believe Alonso must be seriously disillusioned about any projects, where a team performs rubbish and feeds you with "empty promises". Renault is potentially at the back of the grid this year!

 

Of course, there is the long shot that Renault might not only be well-funded, but also more open than Honda - in terms of head-hunting the best engineers and really trying to build up a top team. But even if they went hunting for the top people with $ 300M budget right now, it would still take quite a few years to move this team to the front.



#227 sopa

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Posted 26 February 2016 - 09:05

Not in terms of results. Benetton were racing Minardi for most of 2001 before their season was saved by a high-attrition race and more to their credit, a redesigned aero package that helped secure a podium. Lotus scored a single podium last season, third at Spa funnily enough, and finished 6th in the WCC despite zero development and having a clown in one of the seats. The foundations seem pretty solid to me. Vis-a-vis Alonso, I agree that it will take too long for them to become championship competitors but I think that has much more to do with other larger factors.

 

Lotus had by far the best engine last year, which wasn't built in-house, but bought from Mercedes. Benetton (Renault) had a pretty poor self-made engine in 2001.

 

IIRC Renault also had an underpowered engine during 2001-2003, when they were messing with the radical 110-degree concept (correct if I don't remember right). They switched to the standard 90-degree option from 2004 and overall performance improved considerably. The chassis performance was fine, and certainly ever since the second half of 2001. By 2003 Renault already had one of the best chassis in the field!


Edited by sopa, 26 February 2016 - 09:06.


#228 wj_gibson

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Posted 26 February 2016 - 10:22

Not in terms of results. Benetton were racing Minardi for most of 2001 before their season was saved by a high-attrition race and more to their credit, a redesigned aero package that helped secure a podium. Lotus scored a single podium last season, third at Spa funnily enough, and finished 6th in the WCC despite zero development and having a clown in one of the seats. The foundations seem pretty solid to me. Vis-a-vis Alonso, I agree that it will take too long for them to become championship competitors but I think that has much more to do with other larger factors.

 

That was very much a consequence of Renault's experimental wide-V engine being introduced far too early. The aero side of the 2001 Benetton was no worse than it had been the year before - not world-beating by any means, but not crap either. You saw how much the team rebounded when the engine started performing.