Alonso to leave McLaren
Fernando Alonso is keen to make a new start away from McLaren
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Friday, 02, Nov 2007 11:57
Fernando Alonso and the McLaren formula one team are to terminate their contract by mutual consent, the Woking-based outfit has confirmed.
The Spaniard, who has endured a turbulent first season at McLaren, was originally contracted until the end of the 2009 season but will leave after just one year of that deal.
Alonso finished third in this season's drivers' world championship behind rookie team-mate Lewis Hamilton and eventual champion Kimi Raikkonen.
But it was the relationship between Alonso and various members of the team, including Hamilton and McLaren boss Ron Dennis, which appeared to make the split all but inevitable.
"Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end," a statement from McLaren reads.
"The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now, since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously disrupted the team's and Fernando's 2007 formula one world championship challenge. Both parties believe that this was the right decision."
Talking about the decision to leave the team, which paves the way for a dramatic return to the Renault team he left at the end of last season, Alonso said: "Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out.
"I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home.
"I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win.
"Today's decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team… the best for the future."
Dennis, who admitted he was not on speaking terms with his driver during the hearing over the 'spying' row earlier this season, added: "Everybody at McLaren Mercedes… want to wish Fernando all the best for the future.
"He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward.
"We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 world championship challenge."
Alonso's departure is likely to spark wild speculation as to who will replace the Spanish driver and race alongside British driver Hamilton in 2008.
Already talented young Williams driver Nico Rosberg is being linked to the seat, while the team's existing test driver, Pedro de la Rosa, could also be considered as he has a proven F1 pedigree with Jordan, Arrows and Jaguar, as well as McLaren.