Alonso reveals contact with Mercedes after Rosberg retirement

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Fernando Alonso revealed at today's Mercedes launch that he had a contact with Mercedes following Nico Rosberg's retirement.

The McLaren driver was quick to quell however any hopes the German squad may have had of poaching him from McLaren, insisting it was rather just a case of sniffing around by Mercedes.

"When Rosberg retired, there were a couple of days where I had some conversations and phone calls, but there was no point to discuss anything because I was happy at McLaren, said the Spaniard.

"Let's say Mercedes, after the surprise of Rosberg, had to do a little check of everyone - which was understandable.

"It was nothing really strange or really deep into the conversation or the possibility, it was just a check round they did with everyone.

"With me, they wanted to hear the situation. My situation was clear: I had this year with McLaren-Honda and I was happy here and there was no point to talk any more about the possibility."

Alonso added that Rosberg's decision to turn away from F1 was a brave one.

"He tried for many years, in 2015 he was close and in 2016 he found that possibility.

"When he saw himself in that position, he thought that [retiring] was the best solution. In my case I cannot stop, it is like a drug.

"He was very brave to step away and now enjoys different life. I wish him the best and I am a different character – I am a racer, I will be 80 years old and in a kart, racing, pushing the kids out in front of me."

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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.