Alonso - where will he be in 2015?

[robin]

See this article - OK, it's the beeb so not always the best F1 stuff, but what's interesting are the two tables of points scored by Button and Alonso over the last few years:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/28952174

Considering the lemon cars that Ferrari have had over the last few seasons Alonso's performance is unbelievable and it is no wonder that McLaren would like him back, even though him and Big Ron didn't see eye to eye last time around!

Would be a shame to see Button go from the sport because he is so likeable ... but he's not really pushing hard enough, or so it seems from my sofa anyway Of course it's really hard to say how much faster that car could go in somebody else's hands.

Cheers,
Robin

[astirling]

I think he'll stay at Ferrari - lots of money and you have to think they'll improve the car/performance for next season.

I'd be sad to see JB go as well.

[GregR]

I'd venture Alonso cares little for the money, simple fact is that despite five years of big budget they've not given him a decent car. He wants a third championship to be among the greats, money can't buy that.

[astirling]

I'd venture Alonso cares little for the money, simple fact is that despite five years of big budget they've not given him a decent car. He wants a third championship to be among the greats, money can't buy that.

You're probably right. Although you never really know with F1 what a new season will bring in terms of performance. The Ferrari guys must be talented enough to nail it one year soon!!

I'm enjoying seeing Williams do well again. Their car is also the prettiest on the grid by a long way in that Martini livery.

[vet111s]

Might he arrange a deal behind the scenes for 2016 to allow someone else to iron out the kinks in the new Honda engine next year?

[campbell]

Would not be surprised to see Alonso back at McLaren. JB back to Williams, anyone?!

[robin]

I think JB will be out if not at McLaren. I wonder whether McLaren won't take a punt on somebody else even if they cannot get Fernando. I agree with Greg that he wants another championship. In his shoes I think I would stay put with Ferrari for one more season - there is nothing to suggest McLaren will be competitive next year - arguably they have the worst performance (relative to budget) and have been no faster than Ferrari in recent years; plus he must surely be suspicious of Big Ron. Even if the Honda engine is awesome will it be that much better than the Mercedes - I doubt it.

Agree the Williams looks nice; Massa has another season to go then he'll be retired I think. Bottas has driven the socks off the car - solid drive - could probably do Button's job on race day - but don't know if he can help McLaren go faster. I don't know whether Williams will have a seat for Button, though, unless he brings a shed load of sponsorship with him?

Cheers,
Robin

[Corranga]

I think Alonso not only wants a 3rd championship, but wants it in a red car, so will stay for 2015, especially with the James Allison car potentially meaning Ferrari will be better next year - but then it's always next year with Ferrari

I'd say Button will drive McLaren or nothing - they could do much worse than to ditch him for Hulkenberg though. Button is a really nice guy whose character is likeable etc, but he simply doesn't have the pace.

Williams should do what they can to keep Bottas as he is showing very good skill, more so than Massa. I think Bottas > Massa > Button, so Williams signing the worst of the 3 drivers makes little sense to me. I can't see them having the funds for Massa and Button either if Bottas is tempted elsewhere, plus they'll want fresher blood.

If Mc-Honda do well in 2015, I can see Alonso moving there for 2016. This all depends on how much more he wants a Ferrari-championship than simply a 3rd championship in any car.

Then there is Vettel. He's been Red Bulls poster boy for a long time, but he's being shown up by the new kid on the block - is it enough to tempt him away, maybe moreso in 2016, especially with the last Newey car next year.

Similarly questions around Hamilton moving, but he'd be mad when he's in the best team this year who are looking very unlikely to be uncompetitive next!

[jason]

I don't think Alonso could care less what colour the car is if he wins a 3rd championship.

He's in a very difficult position. The Ferrari has failed to quite deliver, and then the new power unit formula created another mountain to climb for his current team. But the past few seasons the McLaren has been a bigger dog than the Ferrari. McLaren have an opportunity to recover over the next couple years - *if* Honda make a competitive power unit and *if* the aero guy they poached from Red Bull proves a magic bullet.

People forget Alonso is only a year younger than Button. Does he have time to go to another 'developing' team, can he afford to?! Time is running out. Which is a great shame since he's certainly deserving of more than 2 championships won so long ago. He's not the only driver who'll be frustrated by Vettel's titles.

There's also no evidence IMHO that Alonso is a rallying team leader/player who catalyses progress… eg. I think Minardi is possibly the only team he's not publicly slated while driving for them.

But there are rumours that 2015 will be the last season Rosberg and Hamilton are team mates, if not sooner… So top drivers will be keen to keep their 2016 options open too. Damn, who'd want to be a top F1 driver with all this angst

Hope Button gets one more year, at least. Be a shame for his career to end after a few seasons driving a truck.

[j2 lot]

I hope Button stays in the sport too - really likeable character, although I don't think he is one of the elite drivers and his championship win was a case of right place, right time, and apart from that he has pretty much always played 2nd fiddle to his teammate
I think Alonso will stay put for 2015 & for the reasons stated above by Jason, the following year will see the big lineup changes.

[Dominic]

IMHO Alonso is not only hungry for another championship, but deserves it, and he knows it - which is probably what is frustrating him so much. I think he deserves another championship, he is one of the best, (if not the best) driver out there just. Hamilton and Ricciardo are right up there too.

As for Button, it will be a shame to see him go, but I think he has had his time. Before his Brawn championship year, I thought he would be on his way out soon.

[ryallm]

I have long thought Alonso is, as an all round package, by some way the best driver on the grid. Several are as fast, but for relentless consistency, wheel to wheel racing ability, tactical nous, and ability to drag a dog of a car way up the grid he is unmatched. No justice that Vettel has 4 championships to Alonso's 2. Just look at how Vettel suddenly looks very ordinary this season when the car doesn't suit him.

Ferrari seem to have reverted to the pre Brawn/Byrne era of serial under-performing crapness in spite of a huge budget. Ken Tyrell once said 'never under estimate Ferrari's ability to shoot themselves in the foot' - seems to true again these days... Hard to see Alonso making up with Ron Dennis, so unfortunately he is probably going to have to stay put next season.

[tut]

tut

[ryallm]

Now confirmed http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/94 ... to-Ferrari