Jo Ramirez warns of Alonso/McLaren split

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Former F1 mechanic and McLaren team coordinator Jo Ramirez believes Fernando Alonso could leave the British team at the end of the 2017 season.

Since moving from Ferrari to McLaren, Alonso has endured a massively disappointing period, and while progress and improvement have definitely set in, the Spaniard is still in no position to target a Grand Prix victory.

"It's still painful," the 75-year-old Ramirez told Spanish sports daily AS.

"McLaren's evolution is good but it's too slow. They're losing sponsors and will lose Alonso as well. It cannot be otherwise. He is a winning driver and he has to win."

"I don't think he will endure more than next year. I do believe that's his limit."

The legendary Mexican who started his career in Formula 1 in 1961 alongside the Rodriguez brothers, casts an equally disappointing view of McLaren's performance since his former team joined forces with Honda.

"I think this year they should already have been on the podium. Of course it's possible to fight for the title, but I think it's difficult. But they have to do everything possible, because I think next year is McLaren's last chance."

"I think they have a lot to improve because do you know what? It's not all the fault of the engine. The engine is still not good, but I don't think it's the best chassis in the world.

"So they have to work together, McLaren and Honda, as if they were a single team, and keep Alonso."

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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.