Alonso rejoins the Death Star

[Alessandra]

I really don’ty thnk he has much choice given his age and situation coupled with his desire for 1 more WDC.
Hell, almost everyone in the paddock believes him to the best of his generation and good old Rob Smedley has said he’s possibly the best “ever…. he’s that good”, so his personal hopes for 3 WDC seem pretty modest by current standards.
He perhaps made, some might say, dumb choices some years ago in turning down RBR and Brawn but I don’t remember anyone at the time guessing how successful they would be!
It’s not a done deal that he’ll get a WDC at McLaren, I agree, but how much longer could he go on hoping for Ferrari to catch up?
I would like to see him return to Ferrari if he gets a 3rd WDC within the next couple of years – if they’d have him – but in F1 that’s a long time away and there’s a younger generation coming up fast.

[Alonsomaniac]

I wish him zero luck and failure all the luck to Vettel the Ferrari driver!!

First of all this is a Ferrariforum, we support the team and BOTH drivers, not one.
Second, as far as we know, our current drivers are Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
Third, we always respect former Ferrari drivers. We want Ferrari to beat them, but we don't wish them bad luck and failure.
I really hope Vettel - if he is our new driver - has more teamspirit than you show here, because otherwise his stay with Ferrari won't last long.

[Greig]

I really don’ty thnk he has much choice given his age and situation coupled with his desire for 1 more WDC.
Hell, almost everyone in the paddock believes him to the best of his generation and good old Rob Smedley has said he’s possibly the best “ever…. he’s that good”, so his personal hopes for 3 WDC seem pretty modest by current standards.
He perhaps made, some might say, dumb choices some years ago in turning down RBR and Brawn but I don’t remember anyone at the time guessing how successful they would be!
It’s not a done deal that he’ll get a WDC at McLaren, I agree, but how much longer could he go on hoping for Ferrari to catch up?
I would like to see him return to Ferrari if he gets a 3rd WDC within the next couple of years – if they’d have him – but in F1 that’s a long time away and there’s a younger generation coming up fast.

Just seems like a change for the sake of a change, Ferrari are just as likely to challenge next year as McLaren are. I guess he really wanted a Merc drive and has had to settle for McLaren.

[VavaVettel]

First of all this is a Ferrariforum, we support the team and BOTH drivers, not one.
Second, as far as we know, our current drivers are Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
Third, we always respect former Ferrari drivers. We want Ferrari to beat them, but we don't wish them bad luck and failure.
I really hope Vettel - if he is our new driver - has more teamspirit than you show here, because otherwise his stay with Ferrari won't last long.

This thread is about Alonso going to the McLaren. You want me to wish McLaren luck? Alonso is gone yes he sold out to the very enemy of Ferrrai despite what they did with Ferrrari secrets and now you want me to wish Alonso and McLaren luck? The only luck should come to Vettel and Kimi. No opposition must get luck especially one that is the first Ferrari driver in over 20 years never to honour his contract. If you want this to be Alonso forum say so or else like Pharaoh to the Egyptians said "speak no more of the name Moses"

[raylinds]

I am not happy about the change, but it is what it is. I just hope that Ferrari can get things turned around for next year. I will support both of our drivers.

[Greig]

This thread is about Alonso going to the McLaren. You want me to wish McLaren luck? Alonso is gone yes he sold out to the very enemy of Ferrrai despite what they did with Ferrrari secrets and now you want me to wish Alonso and McLaren luck? The only luck should come to Vettel and Kimi. No opposition must get luck especially one that is the first Ferrari driver in over 20 years never to honour his contract. If you want this to be Alonso forum say so or else like Pharaoh to the Egyptians said "speak no more of the name Moses"

And when did you become a Ferrari fan? 10 minutes ago? Maybe you forget Kimi not honouring his 2010 contract?

[VavaVettel]

And when did you become a Ferrari fan? 10 minutes ago? Maybe you forget Kimi not honouring his 2010 contract?

Kimi was forced out for you know who and paid $50m not to driver otherwise he was not going anywhere or quiting- how ironic you even mention Kimi. Face facts Alonso is the first driver in decades not to honour his contract and to top it off go to the very team that stole Ferraris secrets.

[Greig]

Kimi was forced out for you know who and paid $50m not to driver otherwise he was not going anywhere or quiting- how ironic you even mention Kimi. Face facts Alonso is the first driver in decades not to honour his contract and to top it off go to the very team that stole Ferraris secrets.

Did he drive his 2010 contract?

How is it ironic? Alonso was part off McLaren and involved with spygate not sure why you think this is new information that needs repeating.

[VavaVettel]

I am not happy about the change, but it is what it is. I just hope that Ferrari can get things turned around for next year. I will support both of our drivers.

Well done! A true Ferrari fan. I am one now too and ready to cheer the most successful team and current driver in F1

[fratelliferrari]

Well done! A true Ferrari fan. I am one now too and ready to cheer the most successful team and current driver in F1

Let me guess always been a Red Bull fan unfil now you know he will come to our team (probably) you support Ferrari?

[VavaVettel]

Did he drive his 2010 contract?
How is it ironic? Alonso was part off McLaren and involved with spygate not sure why you think this is new information that needs repeating.

Yes he honored his contract which was not to drive for any team while he took time away from F1. He did honored EVERY agreement Ferrari was asked him to do . Can you say the same thing about Alonso? No! Guess what? Vettel is here, a new era, a new king and new WDC for Ferrari. Many doubting him will eat their words. This is his destiny and fate to do what Alonso could not do. You better believe this!

[Greig]

Yes he honored his contract which was not to driver for any team while he took time away from F1. He did honored EVERY agreement Ferrari was asked him to do . Can you say the same thing about Alonso? No! Guess what? Vettel is here, a new era, a new king and new WDC for Ferrari. Many doubting him will eat their words. This is his destiny and fate to do what Alonso could not do. You better believe this!

Ok then I doubt you will find many Ferrari fans who believe Alonso let Ferrari down.

[Red is Best]

Leaving Ferrari to join McLaren really is a dumb move.

And why is that? Are you somehow able to see into the future? It's not dumber than staying in a team that failed to produce a decent car since 2010. Many laughed at Hamilton when he moved to Mercedes, see how that turned out.

[Greig]

And why is that? Are you somehow able to see into the future? It's not dumber than staying in a team that failed to produce a decent car since 2010. Many laughed at Hamilton when he moved to Mercedes, see how that turned out.

Well considering McLaren have the Merc engine and still not able to challenge says a lot. And we had a decent car in 2012, and 2013 until the tyres were changed but go McLaren woop woop they are awesome.

[Rob]

Leaving Ferrari to join McLaren really is a dumb move.

very very dumb move mate. Too me he thinking more $$$$$$$$

[Rob]

And why is that? Are you somehow able to see into the future? It's not dumber than staying in a team that failed to produce a decent car since 2010. Many laughed at Hamilton when he moved to Mercedes, see how that turned out.

Merc has had it think 5 year head start on the 2014 PU units.

[Rob]

Yes he honored his contract which was not to drive for any team while he took time away from F1. He did honored EVERY agreement Ferrari was asked him to do . Can you say the same thing about Alonso? No! Guess what? Vettel is here, a new era, a new king and new WDC for Ferrari. Many doubting him will eat their words. This is his destiny and fate to do what Alonso could not do. You better believe this!

Ferrari has made Fernandos name bigger and the "best" driver in F1 right now. Yes, he was good when he joined us, but over past 5 years he has man handled our cars into wins and positions they shouldnt of been, and showing Fernando at his best and his "image" has got bigger, and in my eyes, ego.

[stefa]

very very dumb move mate. Too me he thinking more $$$$$$$$

Don't think money is a big part of FA want to change. At some point when you have like gazillion, what is couple of tens of millions?! Nothing. On what to spend? Taxes only. I think he desperately wants that elusive 3rd WDC and that's it! He knows that safest bet is Mercedes, but all the seats are occupied. So, he thinks I have lost patience with Ferrari, let's move to McLaren, maybe with Honda they will be the force to match Mercedes. This is two edge sword if you ask me. But than again it is his decision.
Again I am one of those Ferrari supporters that support TEAM - meaning both it's drivers while they are driving for Ferrari. As soon as they left team they are ENEMIES!

[Nova]

very very dump move mate. Too me he thinking more $$$$$$$$

Hey Rob..whats a dumb move?
lol....

[Red is Best]

Well considering McLaren have the Merc engine and still not able to challenge says a lot. And we had a decent car in 2012, and 2013 until the tyres were changed but go McLaren woop woop they are awesome.

The 2012 car was awful. I'm still wondering how Alonso could take the championship fight up to the very last round. I agree we had a good car in 2013, but we threw that out of the window when we allowed Pirelli to turn the tires into concrete blocks, proving that not only we are bad at developing fast cars, but we also suck when it come to politics.
As for McClaren, nobody said they were awesome, but I wouldn't write them off on the basis that they haven't produced a fast car in the last two seasons. Yes they couldn't challenge Mercedes, but neither could the other Mercedes powered cars. As far as I know Red Bull is the only team apart from Mercedes to have won races. And for all we know, with the arrival of Honda next year, they could very well be right up there with Mercedes. Of course it's a risky (and not dumb) bet, but it worries me that he preferred jumping into the unknown rather than staying at Ferrari, considering he probably had a good look at our 2015 car.

[Nova]

I bet if we threw some Bridgestones on the 14T, we would be surprised. Just a thought. So would Alonso...
he may even hang around.

[Greig]

The 2012 car was awful. I'm still wondering how Alonso could take the championship fight up to the very last round. I agree we had a good car in 2013, but we threw that out of the window when we allowed Pirelli to turn the tires into concrete blocks, proving that not only we are bad at developing fast cars, but we also suck when it come to politics.
As for McClaren, nobody said they were awesome, but I wouldn't write them off on the basis that they haven't produced a fast car in the last two seasons. Yes they couldn't challenge Mercedes, but neither could the other Mercedes powered cars. As far as I know Red Bull is the only team apart from Mercedes to have won races. And for all we know, with the arrival of Honda next year, they could very well be right up there with Mercedes. Of course it's a risky (and not dumb) bet, but it worries me that he preferred jumping into the unknown rather than staying at Ferrari, considering he probably had a good look at our 2015 car.

Well you seem happy to write Ferrari off, so your crystal ball must be good as well. Maybe change your username to grey is best

[Rob]

Hey Rob..whats a dumb move?
lol....

edit. Cheers.



2 hour session in gym has made me bit tired.

[Nova]

From AS..
Fernando Alonso’s contract with McLaren-Honda will reportedly be the ‘biggest in F1 history’ as the sport's summer-turned-winter transfer saga finally approaches its concluding act.

Confirmation that Alonso will return to McLaren – for whom he drove in a solitary, tempestuous season in 2007 – is expected before the season finale in Abu Dhabi in two weeks’ time.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the deal will be ‘the largest in the history of Formula 1 and presented as a multi-year agreement'.

Alonso is believed to have sought a one-year deal that would have enabled him to join Mercedes in the event of a 2016 vacancy arising at F1’s latest behemoth outfit. Instead, it’s understood that the price to be paid for an estimated salary of £25m will be a binding two-year contract with an option for a third season.

It’s a tough deal but someone has got to sign it.

‘Alonso and McLaren have agreed for the Spaniard to be the star of the British team's new project with a Honda engine. Alonso will have a considerably higher salary as both McLaren and Honda make a big effort to win again,’ reported AS.

Sky sources have confirmed that Alonso is poised to replace Jenson Button and will partner Kevin Magnussen in 2015 despite the Englishman’s far superior performances this year.

Although McLaren-Honda have made money no object to their pursuit of the Spaniard, his expensive arrival has presented the team with a substantial objection to retaining Button. While Button has comprehensively out-performed and out-pointed Magnussen this year, the Dane would be a significantly cheaper option compared to the cost of having two former World Champions on the payroll.

After 15 years in the sport, the 2009 World Champion is now expected to leave F1 at the end of the year for a new career in sportscar racing while McLaren open a second chapter in their history with Alonso.

[Alonsomaniac]

Let me guess always been a Red Bull fan unfil now you know he will come to our team (probably) you support Ferrari?

Naah....this is a typical Vettel - fanboy. No problem with that, but as far as I know the season is not over yet so we support Alonso and Raikkonen.
You don't become a Ferrarifan in a moment because your fav driver is said to be driving there next year.
When I came here I was an Alonsofan, everyone knows that. Everyone here also knows that it took some time for me to really become a Ferrarifan, but it happened and I will stay in spite of Fernando leaving.
Vettel isn't even confirmed yet, but when he is, he first has to prove he is a real Ferraridriver. By what he showed us this year, I'm not truly convinced yet that he can handle a Ferrari.
What we do know, is that he is no Alonso, who is most likely the best of his time.

[Red is Best]

Well you seem happy to write Ferrari off, so your crystal ball must be good as well. Maybe change your username to grey is best

Ah the "go support McClaren/Red Bull/Whatever" card. Classic Greig. Played every single time your poor arguments fail you. Too bad we aren't in kindergarten anymore.
I never wrote Ferrari off, for all I know 2015 is going to be a very good year, and I hope so because it kills me to see us struggle at every race, so I suggest you quit trolling and learn how to read instead, will do you a lot of good.

[Greig]

Ah the "go support McClaren/Red Bull/Whatever" card. Classic Greig. Played every single time your poor arguments fail you. Too bad we aren't in kindergarten anymore.
I never wrote Ferrari off, for all I know 2015 is going to be a very good year, and I hope so because it kills me to see us struggle at every race, so I suggest you quit trolling and learn how to read instead, will do you a lot of good.

Someone is rather uptight. You started this line of debate by questioning my crystal ball. My poor argument is what? I believe McLaren to be no more likely to be up front than Ferrari are next year but you seem to have taken offence to that for some reason.....you hope Ferrari are in for a good year but you want to attack me for saying Alonso is making a dumb move suggesting to me that you don't think Ferrari will be any good, way to support your team....

[Alonsomaniac]

This thread is about Alonso going to the McLaren. You want me to wish McLaren luck? Alonso is gone yes he sold out to the very enemy of Ferrrai despite what they did with Ferrrari secrets and now you want me to wish Alonso and McLaren luck? The only luck should come to Vettel and Kimi. No opposition must get luck especially one that is the first Ferrari driver in over 20 years never to honour his contract. If you want this to be Alonso forum say so or else like Pharaoh to the Egyptians said "speak no more of the name Moses"

Read my post again before you reply. Maybe then you understand, that is, if you are really not just another Vettel-fanboy.

I don't talk about McLaren at all, I said we respect our former drivers and do not wish them failure. Most of us were happy to see Felipe on the podium. We would have preferred red, but that was not possible, so we were happy for Felipe. That's how it works over here. Ferrari comes first, then BOTH drivers.
We want Alonso to be beaten by a Ferrari next year, but we don't wish him bad luck. Why would we? He has been a great driver for us for a long time.

BTW: McLaren is not an enemy. It's a competitor we would not want to miss.

[fratelliferrari]

Naah....this is a typical Vettel - fanboy. No problem with that, but as far as I know the season is not over yet so we support Alonso and Raikkonen.
You don't become a Ferrarifan in a moment because your fav driver is said to be driving there next year.
When I came here I was an Alonsofan, everyone knows that. Everyone here also knows that it took some time for me to really become a Ferrarifan, but it happened and I will stay in spite of Fernando leaving.
Vettel isn't even confirmed yet, but when he is, he first has to prove he is a real Ferraridriver. By what he showed us this year, I'm not truly convinced yet that he can handle a Ferrari.
What we do know, is that he is no Alonso, who is most likely the best of his time.

You have become smart over time! I have been a Ferrari fan since I began watching F1 and Iam really proud of that! Wijsheid komt met de jaren Alonsomaniac

[abbottcostello]

Well, I was a Ferrari fan first, was a tepid supporter of Alonso at first, until I saw him in the glow of the red car & how he tossed them around the tracks. Am now a solid Alonso fan, but the marque comes first. Alonso, along with all former Ferrari drivers are second on my card of who I root for. Also many other drivers on the grid are noteworthy & I enjoy seeing them drive a good race & think of the day they might pilot a Ferrari F1 car. Honestly, Vettel wasn't on that list, but I'll root for him anyway. This prolonged driver change has given me time to adjust my mind to be more accepting of Seb, so already looking forward to 2015!

I hope Alonso is not planning his move based on any info going around the paddock that Honda have built a monster PU that will eat mercs for lunch. I'm not saying this is what's being said, but we all know how easily we dismissed the persistent rumors in the media about Mercedes engine advantage in the run-up to this current season.... just saying!