As far as Flavio Briatore is concerned, Fernando Alonso is not going anywhere.
Since world champion Nico Rosberg announced his retirement last week, two-time world champion Alonso has been rumored as one of the frontrunners to partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2017.
Briatore, Alonso's manager, however bared that the former Ferrari driver is staying put at McLaren where the Spaniard has a contract until 2017. In an article published in BBC News, Briatore said that they have an agreement with McLaren and they are going to respect that. "Fernando will not be in Mercedes in 2017. People always think of Fernando when a top car is free." Briatore said in an interview with La Gazetta dello Sport.
Zak Brown, McLaren's Executive Director, echoed the sentiment of Briatore. "We have a contract with Fernando and he is very happy. He wants to win races, as do we, but I am not worried about that scenario. We are very comfortable where we are at." said Brown.
Aside from Alonso, Williams driver Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein are the favorites to replace Rosberg. However, like Alonso, Bottas has a contract with Williams until the end of 2017. The team's second driver is 18-year old rookie Lance Stroll making Bottas Williams' best hope.
Alonso has been touted for a seat at Mercedes since 2014. He has lobbied for a place in the team while he was still with Ferrari but Mercedes decide to stick with Rosberg. Alonso eventually left the Prancing Horse ahead of the 2015 season signing a three year contract with McLaren.
While most team owners consider Alonso as the most complete driver on the grid, the constructors' champions are wary of bringing Alonso to the team. The Spaniard and current Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton were teammates in McLaren during the Briton's rookie year. The two, however, had a falling out resulting to Alonso leaving the team at the end of that season.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolf took Alonso to consideration because of his talent, speed, and experience.
