Pedro de la Rosa: Could Alonso return to Ferrari?

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Former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa knows Fernando Alonso well, and feels for his countryman's predicament at McLaren.

The Spaniard, who raced for Arrows, Jaguar, McLaren, BMW and HRT also enjoyed a role as test driver for the Scuderia where he worked alongside the two-time world champion.

De la Rosa admitted that Alonso's options for 2018 are limited, and doesn't know if a return to Maranello would be possible after his relationship with the Scuderia ended in a bitter at the end of the 2014 season.

"I am nobody to judge, but what I can say is that he had to leave Ferrari," de la Rosa told the Spanish AS newspaper.

"That he should then go to McLaren, I cannot judge, but living what I lived in Ferrari it was impossible for both parties.

"I have no idea where Fernando can go and if Ferrari is an option," he said.

"I think it's early to think about it and I still see Fernando focused on the McLaren-Honda project."

Massa: 'Perhaps best for Alonso to leave F1'

On the subject of McLaren, de la Rosa considers the only thing that has survived the winds of change at his former team is the name.

"I don't know the current McLaren very much," he added.

"There are still fantastic people and I still have friends, but 80pc of the people with whom I had the privilege of working at McLaren are now at Mercedes or Red Bull or Ferrari.

"The McLaren today with Honda, I cannot say anything because I do not know anyone, but the only thing that remains is the name," he added.

Asked whether Alonso had made a huge mistake by joining McLaren in 2015, de la Rosa said it wasn't for him to say.

"That is a question only he can answer, and knowing him, some day he will."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.