We're going to call this one a rumor for at least a little while, but wow. We just got wind of this monster deal that would really cause a major stir in the already tumultuous world of Formula One. News of the World just reported that two-time world driving champion Fernando Alonso is leaving McLaren-Mercedes next year. While that was considered a sure thing in the wake of Stepneygate and all, the real shocker is that he isn't headed to Renault to be reunited with Flavio Briatore as expected. Instead, they have him going to Ferrari of all places. The report says that a cool $40 million was the price to secure Alonso for the scuderia. As they point out, it should be a relatively easy transition for Fernando, who has already been *ahem* studying design features of the Ferrari all season.With current Ferrari pilot Felipe Massa headed to Toyota, Fernando will be joining current #3 in the driver's race, Kimi Raikkonen, in '08. It should make for another interesting battle over who's number one. The same article that tells of Fernando going to Maranello also bolsters the rumor that Ross Brawn will be stepping up as team manager when Jean Todt leaves at the end of the season. It's not often that the silly season starts this early, but this has been a very atypical year for the FIA and its premier racing class. We'll do some digging and see if we can find other sources to back this one up. But until then, this can only make the last three races of the season more compelling TV.
[Source: TopSpeed]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Vivek @ Sep 24th 2007 5:37PM
So he will now whine at Ferrari that he is not number #1?
Neil @ Sep 24th 2007 5:42PM
It's what Alonso does. :P
ivan @ Sep 24th 2007 5:46PM
Alonso was my favorite when he drove for Renault and fought with Schumacher. Now i hate his guts for what he's done. I just hope and keep my fingers crossed that Hamilton will kick his ass and teach him lesson.
MKIV @ Sep 24th 2007 7:18PM
I'm pretty sure that Hamilton will win the title at the end of the year. I too was a fan of Alonso while he was at Renault but lost all respect for the guy half way through 07 season.
d @ Sep 24th 2007 5:48PM
i really hope this isnt true. cant stand alonso and i hope massa doesnt go to toyota. that would be a huge step down
bill @ Sep 24th 2007 5:58PM
Does this mean Kimi has been advised he is not going to be in the hunt for being number 1 at Ferrari and that Felipe is no longer number 1 or number 2 but is being treated like a pile of number 2 and being given the flush?
jamey @ Sep 24th 2007 5:58PM
Glad to see him leave McLaren... but not at the expense of Massa (don't suppose Mclaren would pick him up, but I can dream)
TONY @ Sep 24th 2007 6:13PM
No!!! that would sucks. He's not a Ferrari guy. He whines and complaine too much.
Billy @ Sep 25th 2007 11:24AM
Right, because Ferrari hasn't been whining enough lately? looks like he's going to his natural habitat.
Fricking whiny crybaby Ferrari team, only Kimi stands out there as a tough guy.
Man, Massa is the worst, when he has any bad luck, he lets the entire world know.
viperden @ Sep 24th 2007 6:16PM
I wonder who will be racing next to Hamilton now
petrodr @ Sep 26th 2007 7:04AM
You mean, behind Hamilton
nardi @ Sep 24th 2007 6:23PM
Noooooooooooooo!
As a life long Ferrari fan and payed up Allonso hater, this would be a nightmare for me, shouting at the TV for a red car to loose would be just too wierd. Its been hard enough hoping that a Maclaren (Hamilton) wins while still being happy if he is beaten by a Ferrari.
Ashish @ Sep 24th 2007 6:25PM
Agree with you ..
Hate to see Alonso at Ferrari, loved Kimi and feel sorry for him .. am no longer a Ferrari supporter..
Brad @ Sep 24th 2007 6:42PM
I just don't see that happening. If he thought his relationship with Hamilton was strained, just wait until he tries to get along with Raikkonen.. I'm a Ferrari fan and I certainly don't want to see Alonso end up there.
Lemmiwinks @ Sep 24th 2007 6:56PM
I hope he has to buy his way out of his existing contract, that Lewis beats him this year, and that Kimi kicks his ass on the track next year. He's a top 3 driver, but no more than that. What a whining little mummies boy. I have lost all respect for Alonso after his behaviour this year.
Lemmiwinks @ Sep 24th 2007 6:57PM
I hope he has to buy his way out of his existing contract, that Lewis beats him this year, and that Kimi kicks his ass on the track next year. He's a top 3 driver, but no more than that. What a whining little mummies boy. I have lost all respect for Alonso after his behaviour this year.
johdaxx @ Sep 24th 2007 7:00PM
Wow - this is late for Alonzo to announce that he's leaving a team, what with the early announcement last year.
thesawzall @ Sep 24th 2007 7:19PM
So will Schumacher still be an "advisor"?
Kumar @ Sep 24th 2007 7:46PM
Was just thinking that myself.
Watch them turn out drinking buddies after all of alonzo's girly whining.
Frank @ Sep 24th 2007 8:02PM
I thought Toyota would break the bank to get him.