Alonso defends the poor timing of his career choices

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Despite his four-year winless streak, Fernando Alonso has no regrets about the choices he's made in his F1 career.

Speaking in Japan last weekend, reigning world champion Nico Rosberg insisted Alonso had only himself to blame for not adding more titles to his track record since 2006.

The Spaniard begs to differ however, claiming he made the right choices given the circumstances which prevailed at the time in Formula 1.

Alonso to blame for bad career choices - Rosberg

"I don't regret any of the decisions I took," said the McLaren driver.

"I've often said it: every time, I chose the best option, the most logical one. Unfortunately, I also don't have a crystal ball."

The two-time world champion compared the fate of his past decisions to what other drives have experienced in their career.

"What has happened to me is similar to what happened to Michael Schumacher at Mercedes, where things didn't go too well," he says.

"Or even Lewis Hamilton, who didn't have a very good first year at Mercedes.

'I'm proud to have driven for Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. When I joined those teams, nobody criticized my choice or told me it was a bad decision.

In hindsight, it's different but I'm proud of where I've been."

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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.