Lauda: "Mercedes don't need Alonso"

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Published on 12 Jul 2017 11:53
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By: Fergal Walsh

After Ferrari effectively ruled out a return for Fernando Alonso in 2018, Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda has stated that the Silver Arrows do not need the Spaniard, who is reportedly looking to move away from McLaren-Honda.

Ferrari said that the double-world champion would not be taking a seat at the Maranello squad next season. With Mercedes still feeling pain from the 'Spygate' scandal, Mercedes may also be a closed door for next year.

"I do not think Ferrari wants to have him again," Lauda said to AS newspaper. "He left with a contract, which is the same as what happened with him and McLaren-Mercedes. We have drivers who do their jobs, so if we win with Hamilton and Bottas, why do we need a replacement?"

Fergal Walsh

Wolfgang

Posts: 313

let´s put it this way:

Fernando exited McL although he had a contract. He did the same with Ferrari..
Another point in that context is that he´s like Lewis very quickly badmouthing about the team/engine-manufacturerer he is in/with. Remembering his Bahrain finish gestures in 2014... Rememberin... [Read more]

1
Jul 12 2017 - 15:49

F1 News Fernando Alonso Valtteri Bottas Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes McLaren Honda

Replies (8)

mclarenfan1968

Posts: 1,027
And no team needs Niki Lauda, in fact F1 doesn't need the old fart.
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- Jul 12 2017 - 13:59
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
They could have ruled Alonso out like Ferrari did, but instead Mercedes keep flirting with a no. Almost as if negotiating. Nevertheless, I still think the final answer will be no, and it will be a shame for Alonso.
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- Jul 12 2017 - 15:27
Wolfgang

Posts: 313
let´s put it this way:

Fernando exited McL although he had a contract. He did the same with Ferrari..
Another point in that context is that he´s like Lewis very quickly badmouthing about the team/engine-manufacturerer he is in/with. Remembering his Bahrain finish gestures in 2014... Remembering his "GP2Engine" in Suzuka, the home of Honda..

Plus "Spygate", plus the problems with Lewis in 07 at McLaren (Hungary Qualifying for example, and so on..)

So all in all he don´t need to wonder why he isn´t getting a top drive or let me put it in other words, why nobody wants him..

It´s a shame because he´s really quick and probably one of the best but his situation is somehow a little bit self-created...
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- Jul 12 2017 - 15:49
- ianf1
  
  Posts: 185
  A spot on summary, he's quick but damaged goods with too many bridges burnt along the way
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  Jul 12 2017 - 18:25
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  True. But let's not complain later about not having 'real characters' in Formula 1.
  
  Also in Alonso's defense. I think he has been in some unfortunate situations out of his controls. The situation at McLaren was definitely bad, but a lot of it had to do with poor management. There were no issues with Renault, ever. Ferrari? Well, I can definitely understand his frustration. Don't forget how many people were fired at Ferrari during his tenure. It was Ferrari in disarray, not Alonso.
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  Jul 12 2017 - 20:53
- Wolfgang
  
  Posts: 313
  AJPENNYPACKER:
  
  Don´t you remember his badmouthing and his gestures after Bahrain 2014? Of course there had been several structural changes at Ferrari at this time. And don´t forget concerning McLaren in 07: It was a certain Ron Dennis who managed Senna/Prost who surely is one of few persons on the grid who can deal with those little egomaniacs.. So poor management wasn´t the case in that context in my opinion. What could´ve Ron or the team done when Fernando stopped the car deliberately in qualifying on Saturday in Hungary..
  
  Fernando is very quick on track and also very quick with his mouth that´s something a Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher or Mika Hakkinen never did.
  
  These kind of things are only to be seen at Hamilton and Alonso (only referring to the top drivers..)
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  Jul 13 2017 - 13:11
Rindtchamp

Posts: 304
Toto and Lauda "Claim" to be racers... yet they block Hamilton vs Alonso which would be an EPIC season regardless of who won, and they prefer Hamilton with his trusty 'sidekick' #2 driver Bottas, who is no threat and will wave Lewis past if he's ever behind.

Pathetic!
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- Jul 12 2017 - 18:36
mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
so does Alonso! :p
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- Jul 12 2017 - 20:14