Fernando Alonso admits leaving Ferrari F1 team was very difficult

**PURE PASSION** · 6th December 2014, 18:25

Fernando Alonso says the decision to split with Ferrari and join Formula 1 rival McLaren next season was "very difficult".

McLaren has yet to officially confirm Alonso's deal to come back to Woking, while debate continues over whether Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen should partner the Spaniard, but Alonso has finalised his own terms.

Although Alonso's relationship with Ferrari broke down over the summer, amid his overtures to rival teams and internal restructuring at Maranello, the double world champion said he was sad to be turning his back on the Scuderia after five seasons together.

"It is very difficult to close the door on Ferrari knowing that I will not work in this red colour next year," Alonso said following November's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"That's a very, very difficult decision to make, but I guess that was the same for Felipe [Massa] last year - after a long relationship saying bye-bye to the team.

"But I miss being on the podium, I miss to celebrate with champagne, I miss to celebrate winning races, winning titles, and I think a new project for me will bring that possibility closer.

"Maybe not in one year's time, but in the future I have no doubts I will fight again."

Alonso said it would be tough for any team to topple the dominant Mercedes in 2015, but the Spaniard said he hoped his own results would be better after scoring just two podiums in 2014.

"I think with the Mercedes form this year, it is going to be tough for any team to recover that gap," Alonso added.

"But I hope to do better, and I hope to enjoy some battles, and podium positions, and a better performance."

NOT RULING OUT FERRARI RETURN

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel will replace Alonso at Ferrari next year, but Alonso did not rule out returning to the Italian team in the future.

"I went from Renault to McLaren, and then I went back to Renault; I come to Ferrari, maybe I come back to the team," Alonso said.

"It seems the people who work with me give me one door open when it is normally the opposite of what I read - that I am very difficult to work with.

"At the end of the day, the teams I work with I can come back [to], so that is a good sign.

"At the moment it's not an option [to come back to Ferrari], because obviously if you say bye-bye you do not think five minutes later 'I will come back'."

Please lets have a repeat of history and come back to us in 2016!!!!!

I know it wll difficult but i whould love to see Alo with Vet!!!!I could be a disaster but we could also see a dream battle!!!

**Giallo 550** · 6th December 2014, 18:36

Originally Posted by PURE PASSION

Please lets have a repeat of history and come back to us in 2016!!!!!

I know it wll difficult but i whould love to see Alo with Vet!!!!I could be a disaster but we could also see a dream battle!!!

I would also love to see Fernando and Sebastian together at Ferrari. It would be incredibly interesting to watch.

**Nehno** · 6th December 2014, 18:42

I still think he should have been. Looking at the current situation of McLaren and Ferrari have the impression that when a back victories the other also will.

**Rob** · 6th December 2014, 19:21

If he didnt want too leave, should of stayed. Shows him for what he is. At least Schumacher didnt leave for not winning WDC and stuck it out. If he really wanted to win and win with us, should of stuck it out and made history with us. If he goes Mclaren, be another wasted year and what then? throw his toys out again and want to leave there (again)

Now, if he wanted to come back to Ferrari, i would like him to join AF Corse. Least he has better chance of winning world title with them

:xmasbiggrin:

**fratelliferrari** · 6th December 2014, 19:26

Originally Posted by Rob

If he didnt want too leave, should of stayed. Shows him for what he is. At least Schumacher didnt leave for not winning WDC and stuck it out. If he really wanted to win and win with us, should of stuck it out and made history with us. If he goes Mclaren, be another wasted year and what then? throw his toys out again and want to leave there (again)

Now, if he wanted to come back to Ferrari, i would like him to join AF Corse. Least he has better chance of winning world title with them

:xmasbiggrin:

I still hope Felipe comes back to us one day and will drive for AF Corse, Rob! Or LMP1 that would be even better :xmasbiggrin:

**Greig** · 6th December 2014, 19:36

Originally Posted by Rob

If he didnt want too leave, should of stayed. Shows him for what he is. At least Schumacher didnt leave for not winning WDC and stuck it out. If he really wanted to win and win with us, should of stuck it out and made history with us. If he goes Mclaren, be another wasted year and what then? throw his toys out again and want to leave there (again)

Now, if he wanted to come back to Ferrari, i would like him to join AF Corse. Least he has better chance of winning world title with them

:xmasbiggrin:

TBF he never said he did not want to leave, just that it was a hard decision to make. And MS came with plenty of get out clauses he would have left if he could see no prospect of a title without a doubt

**Kiwi Nick** · 6th December 2014, 19:49

Originally Posted by Greig

TBF he never said he did not want to leave, just that it was a hard decision to make. And MS came with plenty of get out clauses he would have left if he could see no prospect of a title without a doubt

Good point about the difference between MS and FA, that I had never considered. One wanted to leave and the other did not.

**stefa** · 6th December 2014, 19:54

I am with Rob on this. If you said you want to win WDC with Ferrari and wont to retire in Ferrari than you stick to it. Try and try and try. That's it. Die trying! Or think before you speak! Because those words now sound silly...

**Greig** · 6th December 2014, 19:58

Well as he has not retired then he might yet still retire with Ferrari.

**fratelliferrari** · 6th December 2014, 20:01

Originally Posted by Greig

Well as he has not retired then he might yet still retire with Ferrari.

Only time will tell but can't see that happening

**ferrari4life** · 6th December 2014, 20:45

i seriously doubt Ferrari held a gun to his head and told him to get out. Likewise I seriously doubt Ferrari would not be paying him handsomely.
Now if he was going to Mercedes I could see that as he is getting old and he wants to win withing the next few years and then retire. But going to McLaren does not seem like he is getting much of a difference between us.
Seems like he left because he did not get his way and he probably sees that the writing on the wall for McLaren is not so clear and he wants to keep his options open.

**vecchiasignora** · 6th December 2014, 20:50

My conclusion is that, he was told vettel will be the teammate next year.And there won't be team orders/preferences to his favor like vs kimi/massa.
so he took his balls and left.

his chances won't be any better then in ferrari next year.

**stefa** · 6th December 2014, 21:06

Originally Posted by Greig

Well as he has not retired then he might yet still retire with Ferrari.

Could be. Why leaving at the first place at all...?

**Greig** · 6th December 2014, 21:08

Originally Posted by stefa

Could be. Why leaving at the first place at all...?

Read what he said?

**Greig** · 6th December 2014, 21:09

Originally Posted by vecchiasignora

My conclusion is that, he was told vettel will be the teammate next year.And there won't be team orders/preferences to his favor like vs kimi/massa.
so he took his balls and left.

his chances won't be any better then in ferrari next year.

So Kimi was being sacked? so now we are left with Kimi who Ferrari did not want?

My conclusion is you are wrong.

**ferrari4life** · 6th December 2014, 21:29

Originally Posted by vecchiasignora

My conclusion is that, he was told vettel will be the teammate next year.And there won't be team orders/preferences to his favor like vs kimi/massa.
so he took his balls and left.

his chances won't be any better then in ferrari next year.

i seriously doubt that even with the confusion going on in Ferrari right now, they would be as confused to believe that Vettel is better than Alonso.

**wickedf1** · 6th December 2014, 21:40

I don't know if it is true, but according to this story by Mark Hughes: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/f1/ferrari-in-2014/ Alonso made demands that Ferrari did not agree to and so he quit, hoping that Ferrari would back down and accept his demands. But Ferrari did not back down and hired Vettel instead.

**Winter** · 6th December 2014, 21:42

Sounds like Alonso is very careful to not burn any bridges behind him.
Sounds also that he doesn't have high expectations about Ferrari in near future.

**stefa** · 6th December 2014, 23:08

Originally Posted by Greig

Read what he said?

Because he wants to win! Doesn't everyone wants too?

**Kiwi Nick** · 6th December 2014, 23:18

Originally Posted by Winter

Sounds like Alonso is very careful to not burn any bridges behind him.

I'm not so sure about that in this case.

**Suzie** · 7th December 2014, 01:30

Originally Posted by Rob

If he didnt want too leave, should of stayed. Shows him for what he is. At least Schumacher didnt leave for not winning WDC and stuck it out. If he really wanted to win and win with us, should of stuck it out and made history with us. If he goes Mclaren, be another wasted year and what then? throw his toys out again and want to leave there (again)

But Rob, with the greatest of respect, you were a massive fan of his and now you're accusing him of throwing his toys out of the pram? I don't like him, I never liked him, and I certainly didn't like things that went on while he was at Ferrari - but I can appreciate why he has cleared off. There's only so long you can wait for a winning car, after all - as much as I hope that he never gets close to the podium let alone a WDC ever again.

I'm just sorry that some people were sucked into the whole 'I will retire with Ferrari' lie. The Ferrari PR team does one hell of a job, I'll say that much for them.

**Kiwi Nick** · 7th December 2014, 04:00

Originally Posted by Suzie

But Rob, with the greatest of respect, you were a massive fan of his and now you're accusing him of throwing his toys out of the pram? I don't like him, I never liked him, and I certainly didn't like things that went on while he was at Ferrari - but I can appreciate why he has cleared off. There's only so long you can wait for a winning car, after all - as much as I hope that he never gets close to the podium let alone a WDC ever again.

I'm just sorry that some people were sucked into the whole 'I will retire with Ferrari' lie. The Ferrari PR team does one hell of a job, I'll say that much for them.

Wow, I wish I had said that! Well, except for the part about Bob.

**Brembo** · 7th December 2014, 06:30

Originally Posted by vecchiasignora

My conclusion is that, he was told vettel will be the teammate next year.And there won't be team orders/preferences to his favor like vs kimi/massa.
so he took his balls and left.

his chances won't be any better then in ferrari next year.

That sounds exactly why Vettel left RB ! Ricciardi wrecked him on his old turf. No preferences or he would still be with RB.
Meanwhile if Alonso was and is thinking about Felipe's move , Felipe's new team Williams wound up 104 pts. ahead of Ferrari. Massa beat Kimi in his old ride by 79 pts. and but for much plain old bad luck Felipe came within 27 pts. of overtaking Alonso's 161 pts. He prob feels Mclaran with him joining could work the same miracal.

**Rob** · 7th December 2014, 07:20

Originally Posted by Suzie

But Rob, with the greatest of respect, you were a massive fan of his and now you're accusing him of throwing his toys out of the pram? I don't like him, I never liked him, and I certainly didn't like things that went on while he was at Ferrari - but I can appreciate why he has cleared off. There's only so long you can wait for a winning car, after all - as much as I hope that he never gets close to the podium let alone a WDC ever again.

I'm just sorry that some people were sucked into the whole 'I will retire with Ferrari' lie. The Ferrari PR team does one hell of a job, I'll say that much for them.

Just think that when he start treading water at Mclaren next year, he will be throowing toys out and wanting to come back to us. Or Merc. I did like him, yeah, but only because he drove with passion and thought to the end in a Ferrari. now he isnt with us, dont like him, respect him but now taken the "Fernando the great" blinkers off and see him for what he is.

Really want win a WDC with Ferrari, like he said blah blah stay. :xmasbiggrin:

Totally agree with you on the Ferrari PR.:xmasbiggrin:

**Hornet** · 7th December 2014, 08:54

Don't understand why people compare Alonso to Schumi being in Ferrari.

Schumi had the luxury of being in Ferrari when the team was heading in the right direction. The team had all the right people, and the result reflected that within a couple years Schumi was in Ferrari. It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before Ferrari became competitive again. By the 3rd year, Schumi was already fighting for the title. So the situation Schumi was in is completely different from what Alonso was in. Schumi hardly had to stick around for a long time before the car he needed arrived.

The Ferrari today hasn't shown any sign of moving in the right direction. Instead, things seem to be heading south this season with the disappointing car, and the departure of Luca DM and Domenicali. The team is in need of another reboot, a process which have been delayed with the recent departure of our latest team principle. This wasn't the situation Schumi was in.

Alonso cannot be expected to wait another 5 years, and neither would Schumi. And this is not to belittle Schumi, as every driver in their position would have done the same. The drivers have an obligation to themself to win, this is why they are in the sport. You can't hold that obligation against them because it's what drives them to success in the first place.

**wisepie** · 7th December 2014, 09:35

Agree with Hornet on this one, Fernando is not getting any younger and Ferrari's recent inability to provide a competitive car will have frustrated him too much for him to wait even longer for another crack at the WDC. Look what a move to Williams has done for Felipe, he's been reborn and much as I hated losing him, as one of the older drivers like Alonso and despite being forced out of Ferrari, he made a brilliant move for himself. And you can't blame him for that.

**KimiBot** · 7th December 2014, 10:51

Originally Posted by Hornet

Don't understand why people compare Alonso to Schumi being in Ferrari.

Schumi had the luxury of being in Ferrari when the team was heading in the right direction. The team had all the right people, and the result reflected that within a couple years Schumi was in Ferrari. It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before Ferrari became competitive again. By the 3rd year, Schumi was already fighting for the title. So the situation Schumi was in is completely different from what Alonso was in. Schumi hardly had to stick around for a long time before the car he needed arrived.

Alonso had a luxury to fight of WDC from first year, if I remember correct.
He lost WDC in last race of the season.
So, it is that Ferrari could not give him competitive car.

**DJTaurus** · 7th December 2014, 11:12

Originally Posted by KimiBot

Alonso had a luxury to fight of WDC from first year, if I remember correct.
He lost WDC in last race of the season.
So, it is that Ferrari could not give him competitive car.

Please refresh your memory cause redfools had every year a car miles ahead the competition from race 1. Ferrari was just the only team who made progress during the season and tried to close the gap. Masa was nowhere and due to Alonsos constantly podium scores and vettels misfortunes he was able to push till the end. Ferrari never provided him a car at least on red bulls level..... Or at the same level of flexibility :P. So give me a break. What luxury are you talking about for gods shake.

PS- it's a pity to read scuderia forum these days with all the hate growing for Alonso. People forget so easily and make consumptions in order to find reasons to hate or forget Alonso. That guy deserves at least 2 more championships and I will be happy if he will win them even with another team.... No regrets even if that means that Ferrari will loose. I cried with Alonso these years. So many bittersweet feelings. I don't bite all the PR from the finger boy... I truly hope Kimi to wake up and show who really vettel is: an auto pilot driver who lost easily to Ricardo.

**fratelliferrari** · 7th December 2014, 11:17

Originally Posted by DJTaurus

Please refresh your memory cause redfools had every year a car miles ahead the competition from race 1. Ferrari was just the only team who made progress during the season and tried to close the gap. Masa was nowhere and due to Alonsos constantly podium scores and vettels misfortunes he was able to push till the end. Ferrari never provided him a car at least on red bulls level..... Or at the same level of flexibility :P. So give me a break. What luxury are you talking about for gods shake.

PS- it's a pity to read scuderia forum these days with all the hate growing for Alonso. People forget so easily and make consumptions in order to find reasons to hate or forget Alonso. That guy deserves at least 2 more championships and I will be happy if he will win them even with another team.... No regrets even if that means that Ferrari will loose. I cried with Alonso these years. So many bittersweet feelings. I don't bite all the PR from the finger boy... I truly hope Kimi to wake up and show who really vettel is: an auto pilot driver who lost easily to Ricardo.

WOW, you prefer a WDC for Alonso above a WDC for Ferrari