UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Alonso to leave now

Home papers back their man

Aug.7 (GMM) "I can't imagine that Alonso and Hamilton will still be together next year."

That was the observation of Australian driver Mark Webber, a paddock ally of world champion Fernando Alonso, as formula one broke for its August break amid the spectacular falling-out of McLaren's driver lineup in Hungary.

Speculation that Spaniard Alonso was considering his future at Ron Dennis' team, or had issued an "ultimatum" about his disputed number one status alongside rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton, became fact as the reigning title winner spoke to the Spanish press on Monday.

Bild newspaper quotes him as plainly telling Spanish reporters: "Right now I am thinking: me or Hamilton? But I know that nothing will change.

"I get the feeling that some people at McLaren do not even know that I speak English."

His comments follow his admission in Hungary that he did not know if he would see out the full three-year term of his current contract.

The Spanish newspaper Diario As, meanwhile, now claims that 26-year-old Alonso has already decided to leave McLaren in order to re-join Renault or switch to BMW.

He is "even considering the possibility of finishing this world championship with another team", 'As' added, even if it means sacrificing the 2007 title.

"His situation at McLaren is untenable," the newspaper - also raising the possibility of an internal anti-Alonso 'saboteur' - continued.

"We can reveal that Fernando wants to stay with the Silver Arrows for not a minute longer.

"When a driver loses the confidence of his team, there is no turning back."

Written: Tue, 07 Aug 2007 09:00:53