Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Alonso may live to regret Ferrari departure

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Fernando Alonso honestly conceded that should Ferrari win the title this year, he would end up regretting his departure from the Italian outfit.

The 34-year-old Spaniard may have given up the prey for the shadow when he joined McLaren-Honda in 2015, given the partnership's difficulties in reaching a competitive level of performance.

Speaking in Melbourne before he kicks off his 2016 season this weekend, Alonso responded frankly when asked if he would come to regret his decision should his former team clinch the title this year.

"If they win the championship, probably, yes, because I had a contract last year and this year with them," he said.

"So if they win the championship this year, I probably will feel that I could have had that opportunity as well if I was able to drive as good as the champion if they win.

Alonso admitted that the McLaren-Honda partnership still had its work cut out this season, and while he believed a return to the winner's circle was ultimately at the end of the tunnel, the journey to reach that end was still a painful one.

"While you are not winning you can never be happy. There is only one driver, and one team that are happy every year. All the others are in the same position.

"I am aware of the difficulties that we had last year and I am aware of the difficulties that we may face this year, in terms of performance.

“At least last year, this year, I feel happy inside because I see the commitment and I see the project.

"One day we will win. If that day will be short term, medium term or long term I don't know, but this partnership, McLaren-Honda, will win one day.”

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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.