By James NeilsonIn what might be a more shocking divorce than Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, McLaren-Mercedes and Fernando Alonso have agreed to part ways after what seemed like a harmonious relationship between him, the team and Lewis Hamilton in '07. Alonso is now a free agent and can sign with whatever team has a mutual interest in his services.
"Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out," said Alonso. "I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home."
Clearly unsatisfied by the mount of Bullsh**, Dennis added "He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward."
Here's what I think they really meant:
"I was supposed to be the #1 guy and those two-faced englishmen made me share equipment with a child," said Alonso. "Manche puercos!"
"Thank god that's over with, good riddance you spoiled brat," said Dennis. "I'll make sure to have Lewis wave to you when he laps your stricken Toyota!"
The most-discussed destination for the two-time world champion has been his former team, Renault. Ferrari removed themselves from the list after recently inking Massa to an extension, not to mention the fact Ferrari can;t provide Alonso with the clear-cut #1 driver role he craves.
The situation is complicated, however. Renault is easily the most money-conscious team at the sharp end of the grid and might need help to sign him to the estimated $25 million US he will most likely be asking for.
Honda and Toyota have been mentioned as possible destinations as well. Neither teams has the car Alonso would be looking for but they both have a lot of Yen to throw at a #1 driver, something both teams, particularly Toyota, lack.
Commentary: Why not BMW? They're improving every year, have the budget and are strong on the technical side. Alonso would as, surely, be the #1 guy on a team that currently employs Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica.
BTW: That's a photo of Alonso's wife, poor guy.
