Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

F1: Toto Wolff says no Mercedes seat for Alonso ''in short term''

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Toto Wolff has dismissed reports Mercedes could be eyeing a future with Fernando Alonso.

When rumours of the German marque's flirtation with the obviously frustrated Ferrari driver Alonso first arose recently, team sources immediately reacted by hinting that Nico Rosberg's contract is in fact on the verge of being extended.

But while Alonso's arrival would have reunited McLaren's exciting 2007 pairing of the Spaniard alongside Lewis Hamilton, team boss Wolff sounds less keen.

F1 Fernando Alonso Mercedes W05
Fernando Alonso étudiant la Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, when speaking to Spanish reporters at Mercedes' Brackley factory on Wednesday, he said Hamilton's rivalry with Rosberg this year cannot be compared with the "dirty" situation that existed at McLaren seven years ago.

"We'll let them keep fighting, so long as the war is not dirty," Wolff is quoted by the Spanish news agency EFE.

"A conflict like the one between Alonso and Hamilton will not happen here," he insisted. "If something like that did happen, it would have serious consequences."

Pondering the Alonso rumours in even more detail, Toto Wolff explained that the Spaniard will not be wearing silver overalls "at least in the short term".

That, Wolff said, is because both Rosberg and Hamilton "have long term contracts".

"Fernando is one of the best drivers on the grid, but it is not in our plan to change the formation of the team," he added.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada