Alonso to fight for Mercedes or Ferrari seat - Briatore

Fernando Alonso is targeting a move to one of the two current leading F1 teams, insists Falvio Briatore who continues to look after the Spaniard's affairs.

Following another depressing year at McLaren-Honda, his third since joining the team in 2015, Alonso's departure from the Woking-based outfit now appears to be a question of 'when' rather than 'if'.

If Briatore can make it happen, he'll guide his protégé to Maranello or Brackley.

"Fernando must go to Mercedes or Ferrari," the flamboyant Italian told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Renault is still a good distance from being a top team."

But opportunities for 2018 may be few and far between with Briatore comparing F1 and the European football scene.

"There are ten attractive clubs in Europe," he said.

"Messi would have a much wider choice. In Formula 1 you can only win with three teams."

Ecclestone to Ferrari: 'Sign Fernando Alonso!'

Pundits are putting low odds however on the two-time world champion joining either team, partly because of present context and partly because of past history and Alonso's reputation as a trouble-maker.

"This is Ron Dennis' fault," Briatore insisted.

"He instigated the problem at McLaren in 2007, and Mercedes had nothing to do with it at the time."

Former McLaren and Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger says it is a sad state of affairs when one of the sport's greatest champions is left without a competitive drive.

But the Austrian also pointed to Alonso's past to justify the disappointment.

"For every expert and fan, it is bitter to see a driver like Fernando fighting with dull weapons," the Austrian told Bild.

"On the other hand, Alonso left a lot of scorched earth behind him at Mercedes and Ferrari and has to take it on the chin if it doesn't work out," he added.

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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.