Fernando Alonso will not be joining Mercedes in 2017!
Fernando Alonso, on a visit to McLaren's team headquarters, took the opportunity to confirm that he would be driving for the British team next season, thus putting paid to rumours of a possible transfer to Mercedes.
Translate: As rumors swirl about a possible transfer of Fernando Alonso from McLaren to Mercedes, the Spanish driver has confirmed his commitment to the team based in Woking for the upcoming season.
During a visit to the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, the double world champion confirmed his desire to continue the adventure with McLaren-Honda and aim for the world championship title in the near future. As his manager, Flavio Briatore, had already mentioned, the Asturian will not be joining the Mercedes team, who are looking for a driver following the sudden retirement of reigning world champion Nico Rosberg.
« I believe in this project. I am involved. I want to become world champion with McLaren-Honda, that is my sole objective. » notably stated Alonso.
“I believe in this project.” Fernando addresses the team at MTC today on his commitment to achieving his ultimate goal at #McLarenHonda. pic.twitter.com/PDwyJZo2si— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 13 décembre /f1/actualite/21624-la-succession-de-rosberg-chez-mercedes-ou-en-est-on.html
The list of choices for Mercedes and Toto Wolff is therefore reduced even further with this confirmation that Alonso will stay with McLaren. It now seems that Valtteri Bottas and Pascal Wehrlein remain the two favorites to secure the position of Lewis Hamilton’s teammate next season.
The decision should be made quickly by the star firm’s leaders who would like to announce their driver duo before the new year.