I honestly believe Honda fed Alonso a line of bull along with a line of cash. The two combined to kill his career.
Alonso at Indy: "No power! No power!" Alonso at Spa: "No power! No power!" At least Honda is consistent in all forms of racing.
The difference being, of course, is that Honda did win the Indy 500. It has several times. Alonso had a good time at Indy and the fans appreciated him.
...and Nikki says they DID talk to Vettel...and he says Alonso's McLaren deal was all about money. Nikki loves to talk, y'all. He's entertaining, but I dunno how anyone takes him seriously.
And again, Toto Wolff says they DID NOT talk to Vettel about a contract: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-lucky-raikkonen-tow-belgian-gp-945258/ Meanwhile, back on topic: Let's be fair here, Alonso wasn't the only person to buy into the whole "Honda are going to dominate this new turbo era" idea. There were plenty in this forum who were happily declaring Honda to be the "TurboMeisters" when their partnership with McLaren was announced, and they were happily predicting a new era of McLaren domination of F1. Some of us on here tried to temper their premature predictions by pointing out the old adage of: "Past performance is no guarantee of future success", but they were convinced that McLaren/Honda would be the team to beat once more - Just as Alonso seemed to be!
Alonso said he has already turned down 2 offers ...and yet to decide on another one ... Williams makes a lot of sense now, unless of course McLaren drops Honda. So now it is up to McLaren to decide finally on the engine supplier,but can they afford to lose the Honda $$$$$ + the C**P power units ? I think they will continue with Honda due to financial restrictions, then if Alonso quits so be it. There are plenty of folks who would love to get a drive in that car,even with the Honda donkey behind them.
Alonso going to Williams was THE rumor at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend. Daddy Stroll would even pay Alonso's salary... Seems all a bit strange to me. But hey, stranger thing have happened and this is F1 after all.
Fernando Alonso hints he'll quit McLaren if Honda are retained Is it 'Honda or Alonso?' for McLaren as team prepare to make engine choice for next season Fernando Alonso has given his clearest indication yet he will leave McLaren at the end of the season unless they drop Honda. McLaren, for whom only Renault appear to be a viable option for a fresh power supply next year, will make a decision on their engine suppliers in the next month. But the decision now also appears to be inextricably linked to the future of their star driver with Alonso's confidence in Honda after three years of frustration seemingly extinguished. "I have had offers," Alonso confirmed after qualifying. "I have had offers in June, July and August. 60 per cent of them I have said no to already, the other 40 per cent is still on the table." Fernando Alonso hints he'll quit McLaren if Honda are retained | F1 News
True, but I would say that Frank Williams took an unknown quantity when he signed Pastor Maldonado. He was maybe catastrophic on the track (although he brought Williams on GP victory, let's not forget), but he came with money. Signing Alonso now would be a completely different proposition. Alonso's reputation is well know. He may be fast, but there is a bad small hanging in the air everywhere he goes, and also what sponsor money will he bring?
If the car is more competitive and reliable than the McLaren/Honda, then there wouldn't be any "shenanigans", and Frank would appreciate Alonso's ability to develop the car. Daddy Stroll wouldn't be happy with Alonso along side his boy though! - Lance can't keep up with Grandpa Massa, and Grandpa Alonso is faster still!
