Alonso in 2015

[Scott]

Fun speculation...

[cosworth151]

Ron likes to go for the two best drivers available. I think Alonso will end up at McLaren with Button.

[Jericoke]

I don't see why Alonso wouldn't end up at McLaren-Honda

However... if Alonso is insisting on his continued salary without Santander's backing, he's not going to get it.

He's going to have to decide if he is willing to take a pay cut to drive race cars.

[Scott]

I suspect Honda is willing to pick up his retainer...

[John S]

Pit lane reporter Ted Kraviz on Sky is convinced Nando is setting up a various batch of big name Spanish sponsors to back him returning to Enstone, his price from the Lotus team is co-ownership of the revamped outfit.

Having failed to emulate previous multiple WDCs, who've won titles in different cars, perhaps Nando has now set his sights on matching 'Black Jack' by shooting for a title in a car of his own construction.   

Team Alonso or Alonso F1 doesn't have much of a ring,  anyone got any other name ideas?      

..........ooh how about F1 Fernando, or Fi Fo for short.   

[Jericoke]

Pit lane reporter Ted Kraviz on Sky is convinced Nando is setting up a various batch of big name Spanish sponsors to back him returning to Enstone, his price from the Lotus team is co-ownership of the revamped outfit.

Having failed to emulate previous multiple WDCs, who've won titles in different cars, perhaps Nando has now set his sights on matching 'Black Jack' by shooting for a title in a car of his own construction.   

Team Alonso or Alonso F1 doesn't have much of a ring,  anyone got any other name ideas?      

..........ooh how about F1 Fernando, or Fi Fo for short.   

I do like the idea of Alonso starting a trend of active drivers buying into F1 teams.  If he's successful, I can imagine Hamilton following suit for sure.

[Scott]

As the saying goes...How to make a small fortune in racing?  Start with a large one.  Only Jackie Stewart bucked that trend, and he wasn't distracted by trying to drive the car.  I think the drivers themselves know the chances of succeeding at team ownership are practically nil.

[Jericoke]

As the saying goes...How to make a small fortune in racing?  Start with a large one.  Only Jackie Stewart bucked that trend, and he wasn't distracted by trying to drive the car.  I think the drivers themselves know the chances of succeeding at team ownership are practically nil.

Sure, but AlonsoF1 could have a WDC at no cost

[Irisado]

It has to be McLaren.  Button and Magnussen were both really depressed all weekend, and while it could have been because of Bianchi's condition, it struck me as being more than that.  Maybe they've both been told that they're no longer required, and that Alonso is coming in to lead the team?

[Scott]

    If it's not going to be Ferrari making the announcement that Alonso is out of Ferrari at the end of the year, it will be Luca.  Good for him.  I wonder if this isn't another unexpected surprise in Alonso's master plan (not that it wasn't plain to everyone).

[John S]

It has to be McLaren.  Button and Magnussen were both really depressed all weekend, and while it could have been because of Bianchi's condition, it struck me as being more than that.  Maybe they've both been told that they're no longer required, and that Alonso is coming in to lead the team?

On reflection of your post I think you could have something, my new guess is that Eric has won the argument with Ron to bring his protégée 'wrecker' Roman to partner Nando at Macca. I'm sure Grosjean would be happy to sign on for now as Alonso's number 2 to get into the big league.   



 

[Irisado]

Interesting thought about Grosjean John.  I'd forgotten that he hadn't resigned for Lotus yet.  You could be on to something there.

[Scott]

Looks like the Alonso deal is just about done.  2+1 years at Mclaren. 

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/29888406

That brings up three questions from me.

1)  What about Button?  Has Magnussen really brought everything Mclaren wants?  I sort of doubt it.  I think it would be a shame to ditch Button, but on the other hand I would be happy to see Button and Webber as teammates.

2)  What about Dennis?  If Ron is still going to be there for Alonso's contract duration, are there going to be all kinds of rules of conduct for both?  Flavio is going to have to hire an interpreter so Alonso doesn't have to speak directly to Dennis.  Or is Ron on his way out?

3)  Wonder what kind of performance clauses there will be in his contract.  I imagine it will be quite strict, in that if the Honda doesn't perform out of the box, then Alonso will have rights to move on after one year.

[John S]

Well at least it will bring to an end radio messages in Italian between the team and Nando.     

[lkjohnson1950]

Doesn't Ron own a big fat chunk of Macca, making it difficult to force him out? I think it's Button on the way out. Ron feels Jens is on the downhill slope where Magnussen is the future.