Past 'history' will block Mercedes move for Alonso - Wolff

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If Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has anything to say about it, it's unlikely Fernando Alonso will be joining the German outfit anytime soon.

The McLaren driver has almost reached his own self-determined deadline regarding his fate in F1, but where he will be racing 2018 in still anybody's guess.

Technically, Mercedes has yet to confirm Valtteri Bottas, a mere formality many believe. Regardless, the Fernando Alonso was never really on the manufacturer's shortlist.

"We have commented on that already. Fernando has some history with Mercedes and it was not always the best," Wolff told the BBC.

"He’s certainly a very skilled driver but he’s not a consideration for us."

Alonso to McLaren: 'It's me or Honda!'

The Spaniard not only had a rocky relationship with Lewis Hamilton during his time at McLaren-Mercedes in 2007, he was also involved - although not as a central figure - in the Woking-based outfit's spy scandal with Ferrari, and which ultimately cost the team a hefty $100 million fine!

Mercedes will likely confirm Bottas in the coming days, if not hours, and review its options once again in 12 months time.

"So as it stands now we’d like to continue with Valtteri but it comes down to the nitty-gritty detail in the contract and the situation beyond 2018," Wolff added.

"I just want to understand how the 2019 and 2020 driver market develops. There will be vacancies, there will be drivers coming back onto the market."

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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.