Fernando Alonso rumours | Fernando Alonso's 2008 options

F1 News: Alonso is no longer a McLaren driver

Friday 2 November 2007

Following reports in the Spanish media, it has been officially confirmed that Alonso will no longer drive for McLaren.

Though the move had been seen as inevitable since around the time of the Hungarian Grand Prix, stances had softened in recent days, which appeared to suggest that Alonso may stay, if only because he couldn’t find a better option.

So what are Alonso’s options?

We’re going to have to wait three weeks before we find out Alonso’s destination, as Fernando plans on taking a holiday before he makes his decision. In the meantime, all we can do is speculate. Let’s take a look at all the possibilities.

Renault Talks have stalled over finance and management, but the team knows him and would love to have him back.

Likelihood: 8/10
Ferrari Both drivers have a contract for next year, but Massa could be farmed out to make way for Alonso. But would Alonso risk being beaten for a second year in a row?

Likelihood: 5/10
BMW Heidfeld and Kubica have had an outstanding year, why would they change?

Likelihood: 6/10
Williams There’s a vacancy at the team and Rosberg would learn a lot from a two-times champ. Williams would happily take Alonso for a year, too. The betting man’s choice.

Likelihood: 8/10
Red Bull There have been rumours of a move to Red Bull for Alonso, but Red Bull would want a bigger commitment than Alonso is willing to give.

Likelihood: 7/10
Honda Barrichello is apparently on the way out, so there might be a berth, but after their 2007 season, would he want to?

Likelihood: 4/10
Super Aguri Too busy taking Honda’s leftovers to have space for Alonso.

Likelihood: 2/10
Toyota An offer has apparently already been rejected, so the chances are slim.

Likelihood: 2/10
Torro Rosso Quick, young and cheap drivers already confirmed for next year.

Likelihood: 2/10
Spyker Stranger things have happened (Damon Hill going to Arrows in 1997 is an obvious example), but Alonso would rather retire.

Likelihood: 1/10
Prodrive If the team even makes it to the grid, its McLaren connections make this nigh on impossible.

Likelihood: 0/10
A sabatical year There is pride at stake and Alonso might take this option, though coming back after a year would be difficult, especially with so many technical changes next year.

Likelihood: 5/10