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Speed TV: Frustrated Alonso Eyes Return to Renault

Discussion in 'F1' started by cantsleepnk, Aug 6, 2007.

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  1. cantsleepnk

    cantsleepnk Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2005
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    Nick
    #1 cantsleepnk, Aug 6, 2007
    Or is it Hamilton to Renault or Ferrari ????? Anyway you look at it one of the Mac drivers is going to leave by seasons end and I think it's going to be Hamilton.I doubt Ron wants to hear another "Go F***ing Swivel" from Hamilton ever again. I doubt Flavio is going to pay Alonso the same money he's making now.

    http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39250/

    "Fernando Alonso has been discussing the possibility of returning to Renault next season after just one season at McLaren.

    A source close to the Renault team told SPEEDtv.com. “It’s not a rumor, they [the Alonso camp] are desperate to come back.”

    The same source added that ironically as of last weekend the Hungaroring qualifying fiasco had given Alonso a fresh reason to stay at McLaren because Lewis Hamilton was now seriously out of favor at Woking.

    Renault has yet to confirm either of its drivers for next year, although its assumed that Heikki Kovalainen has done more than enough to retain his place. Flavio Briatore said in Hungary that a decision on Giancarlo Fisichella will be due around the time of Monza, but the Italian is believed to have a very slim chance of retaining his seat for another season.

    On Sunday, Ron Dennis made it very clear that he was well aware of the possibility that one of his drivers might be tempted away: “There is an inevitability that these things are rumored and discussed in other teams. We have two drivers contracted for several years into the future. We will respect our part of that situation. We hope that the drivers respect theirs, because that is what a contract is about. That is our position.”

    Intriguingly, when discussing the challenge of juggling two top drivers he added that “anybody” would have the choice to leave if they felt they didn’t fit in at McLaren.

    “It is extremely challenging for me, emotional and stressful. I know I’m not alone in having to carry that burden, but nevertheless we will continue to function as a Grand Prix team with specific values. And if anybody does not want to be part of those values, irrespective of where they fit in the organization, then ultimately they will have choice. But we will not deviate from our values.”
     
  2. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    Florian
    #2 Far Out, Aug 6, 2007
    Wild speculation: Ron De...ehm, Lucifer, I'm sorry, will retire after this season. Alonso AND Hamilton will leave, Alonso to Renault, Hamilton to Ferrari. Mercedes will buy the remainings of McLaren and operate the team solely as "Mercedes". Drivers will be, let's say, Rosberg and Schumacher. Oh wait... my alarm rings, time to wake up ;)
     
  3. pastmaster

    pastmaster Formula Junior

    Feb 5, 2006
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    #3 pastmaster, Aug 6, 2007
    This whole thing is getting wilder and wilder, weirder and weirder, eveyday!!!

    2007 F1 Season has been unreal with all the twists and turns, rumors and downright lies, that have been shown. WOW!!! McLaren is unraveling before or eyes!

    Where will the Drivers go and windup next season? UNBELIEVEABLE!!!

    Ciao...Paolo
     
  4. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 PhilNotHill, Aug 6, 2007
    Alonshole has an escape clause reportedly in his McCheaters contract. His out is embarrassing and/or detrimental behavior on the part of the team.

    Lewis may have the same out. If so, both could be gone from the McCheaters team. Couldn't happen to anicer buch of guys.

    Forza Ferrari
     
  5. barbazza

    barbazza Formula 3
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    #5 barbazza, Aug 6, 2007
    Assuming nothing happens to McLaren with the cheating appeal, would either driver even be able to leave if the team didn't want to release them? RD has been known to pay key engineering staff to just stay home so that he can keep them away from other teams. I can't imagine he would let two drivers who are that good go elsewhere for any price.
     
  6. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #6 Fast_ian, Aug 6, 2007
    +1

    *Except*, and I've been saying this for a while - These type of contracts have *mutual* "thou shall not bring the sport/the team/yourself/etc into disrepute" clauses - Assuming LH got any kind of legal advice prior to signing, he may just have the same "get out clauses" as Lucifer has on him.......

    Having said that, I don't see LH going anywhere - Fred may very well get out, possibly with Lucifers blessing.

    My 02c,
    Ian
     
  7. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    #7 Far Out, Aug 6, 2007

    I remember they both have a clause stating they can get out of the contract if MCL breaches the FIA rules... which has happened when they were found guilty in Stepneygate...
     
  8. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 LightGuy, Aug 6, 2007
    The grass is always greener on the other side.
    Every other driver is trying to sell their Mom to get onto Mclaren.
    Neither Alonshole or LH is stupid enough to leave now.
     
  9. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

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    #9 Tipo815, Aug 6, 2007
    To add more wild speculation:

    I highly doubt Hamilton will leave McLaren. Alonso will probably go - either to Ferrari or Renault. I don't think both Kimi and Felipe will be at Ferrari next year. I think one of them will go somewhere else. If I had to guess I would say Kimi to Toyota displacing Ralf. His spot at Ferrari would likely be filled by either Alonso or Rosberg. If Alonso does go back to Renault then Fisi is definately done (he's probably done either way). If Rosberg leaves Williams then I think that seat would be filled by either Ralf or Fisi. I think Wurz is also done at Williams. The one curious placement would be Button. His career may be coming to an end if something doesn't happen soon.

    McLaren: Hamilton/?
    Ferrari: Rosberg/Massa
    BMW: Heidfeld/Kubica
    Renault: Alonso/Kovalainen
    Williams: R. Schumacher?/Fisichella?
    Red Bull: Coulthard/Webber
    Toyota: Raikkonen/Trulli
    Honda: Button?/Barichello?

    I would say goodbye to Wurz (out of F1). Hopefully Fisi and Ralf get picked up or they're out as well. Button and Barichello could be done as well. The silly season is going to get interesting!
     
  10. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 DGS, Aug 7, 2007
    Well, this is an interesting twist on the regular "silly season". ;)
     
  11. anguruso

    anguruso Formula Junior

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    #11 anguruso, Aug 7, 2007
    Funnily enough Honda have confirmed Button and Barrichello for 2008. There's something seriously wrong with the "Earth Car". I guess environmental awareness and motorsports don't mix. Button did very well last year and his decline this year doesn't look like his fault.

    I think Honda were a Michellin team and they've had some trouble with switching to those tricky Bridgestones.
     

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