FA says to have made the McLaren 2007 car into a winning machine. Sure, with help from the Italians! LH might not be an engineer, but he is incredibily quick and has the right mentality. I hope he will show us that he is what we think (Schumacher and Senna level). The better way forward for McLaren is to get rid of FA (and that's what they presumably did). For FA? He better changes his job. Try to do something where you can't lose, as you are not able to take that.

J van Hepscheuten, Hengelo, Netherlands

Whoops...

Douglas, York, England - U.K.

Now it's Official - Adiós McLaren-Mercedes
Alonso goes his own way.

An now I'm interested to see the whole movements inside the market. It is rumoured, that Fernando Alonso will join RedBull, together with Ross Brawn.

Could be an interesting option.

DisasterArea, Madrid, Spain

Ed, don't miss the article in the Times, by Patrick Kidd, 50 great British losers. Your boy, Hamilton, is listed.

an Alonso fan, palm springs, california,usa

I am really sure that FA will be another year in McLaren. He is a winner. And he will win the championship in 2008. He has lost one year, but currently, he knows the weaknesses of his team.
1) A spoilt teammate that may be ashamed with his final mistake after the huge investment that MClaren make on him .. (1 championship).
2) the "fixation" of LH will not help himself to win anything
3) he has been raised too much quickly.. the best way to fall asap. He is playing too much with the media but he has not won anything yet
4) Mclaren has noticed that the Nr 1 in the team is not LH. LH is a child, he can not bear the pressure.
ok... we will see...

federico jj l´santos, Cadiz, Spain

When your team races against you, or you are FA or you have no chance to win a WC. FA has noticed that in almost every race, as all Spain has done. So what is the difference with running for Toyota or Renault or Toro Rosso...? All the good drivers lovers will keep supporting him, even if he battles for the 6th place. If he stays at McLaren, most of the spanish supporters will not understand his decision, unless LH is fired. So the case RD needs to solve is which driver he wants to keep. If he believes that he has a better chance to get a title with LH than FA, he should allow FA to leave. But if FA stays together with LH, Spain will not accept it and will discontinue supporting our two time World Champion. So I am sorry, but FA is very smart and will not accept another year like this one. So get ready for many races with all the pressure on LH, and of course, LH failing on his driving as he has always done under pressure situations. Good Luck

Jose F. Tomas, Majadahonda, Madrid

If FA stays it's only cos' the other options are much worse. If he could be competitive in other team, he'd do everything in his hand to leave. I think FA is guilty of the situation in McLaren, but as guilty as many others. And who has more responsibility? When RD said that they weren't racing against Kimi, but against FA, everything was said (and we've seen the result)

Rod, Madrid, Spain

What happens? . You're afraid of loosing the only world Champion you have in your team?. You're afraid of not being able to have a top car for your brilliant star next year without fernando's help? .Fernando should leave as soon as possible. You english don't deserve him after your behaviour this year. Keep your wonderful rookie for a long time.

andonius, Madrid, Spain

well this has been a rough year for FA and i will stick with him no matter what team he goes with. I would not mind seen him back with renault but thats just my opion ,it would make for a very good 2008 season with 3 teams and 3 champion ship calibur drivers.renault with a 2 time world champ and ferrari with kimi and Mclaren with a very talented LH.

Dino Tapia, Fresno, usa,ca

A reason of why Fa should stay at Mclaren is that they have the best car beside Ferrari, he knows it and can improve it for next season. A reason of why RD should keep him is that he needs him and his experience beside LH to win the constructors championship and recover from this turbulent season. To do that the three of them need to sit and have a talk of how to focus the season and set the basics: equality, team work and respect each other and stop talking rubish( RD principally)

Ruben, Asturias, spain

Sorry, but Alonso can be in McLaren after their behaviour. It is better for him to be in renault or Toyota where they will not trick his car.

You want him because you know Hamilton does not know to fit the car.

Hamilton was not faster than Alonso, you know very well.

Luis, Madrid,

Alonso should stay in McLaren, at least for TIMES ON LINE,
You've got each day plenty of spanish readers (sometiemes not very well treated) and comments, demonstrating a high and loyal support for Alonso from Spain.
I miss more supporting comments for Mr. Hamilton from British readers which I supose are more interested in Football !!!
The meteoric career of Lewis has been more based on the media and future publicity interests than on the real support he has from the people.
After the last two races, many doubts have appeared about his leadership skills and mental strenght but we can not forget he is just 22.

Dorado, Manresa, Spain

not only should alonso leave, i hope hamilton leaves as well, Ron Dennis is incompetence at its best... or worst, Dennis with his great managment lost it all

zingaro, gibraltar,

“In this business, people are very pragmatic.”

That is the first and only reason. Ron and McL principals are not going to decide. Emilio Botin, Vodafone, Mercedes, Mutua Madrileña, and so on, will decide. Spain is a country with the biggest growth in Europa, 45 mill customers and going up thanks to inmmigration, and they are not going t put at risk their investments.

Pragmatism, is the word. We all are pieces on a chess board. You too Ed.

Jimmie, La Oliva (Fuerteventura), Spain

This has to be a joke or the daftest way to occupy space on F1. After all the suffering that Mclaren and LH & Co. have brought to FA now your'e asking him to stay? For What? In my mind this is the British way of realizing that FA had a lot to do with the car being up there and without him, they simply don't trust LH to give a race winning car. So now we go to Plan B. Sorry but this is really a joke. FA was NOT the cause of all the trouble & strife at Mclaren and there is no reason he should stay to give them a second chance and you should try to change job.

mark, Vigo,

5 reasons to split

(1) Alonso believes the team favoured Hamilton to the extent that they sabotaged his car. He was alluding to this over the final few grand prix to several journalists. If he really believes that.....he can't stay, if winning championships is his aim. If he does stay...he's either more interested in the money...or he was fibbing.

(2) RD showed an admirable allegiance to his 'equality for both drivers', standard. That approach does not impress Alonso...who feels that 2 championships should buy him an advantage...Ferrari used to play the game..Renault / Toyota might oblige...McLaren / Williams won't

(3) In the same car...Hamilton was as fast this year. In the same car,Hamilton will be faster next year. Alonso's ego won't take much more.

(4) Alonso claims he turned the McLaren into a front row car. If he really believes that.going back to Renault should not be a problem.

(5) TRUST. If there were any logic to the language it would be a 4 letter word

Si, Carrick, UK

my godness how didnt you notice that fenando alonso was world champion twice driving a renault?
totaly awesome. By the way related to the first comment ferrari wanted alonso to join them about 3 years ago, before he signed to renault, he did not coz he cant put up with jean todd.
Anyway mc laren squad was just interested on spying ferrari insted of developing its car, hamilton does not have any idea about mecanics when alonso seems to be an enginer.
If you want a piece of advise fire hamilton and ron, keep alonso on the first wheel and de la rosa as second driver.

johan, cork, ireland

LH has already failed twice in winning a World championship while FA has already succeeded twice in winning a WC (with Renault car!). Let’s see next years as your “better driver” fails over and over again. And please don’t call LH champion before he wins something!

Paloma, Madrid, Spain

Good days, I believe sincerely that Alonso will leave the team due to little fondness that has received of Ron dennis. Throughout the year there have happened so many strange things (Hungary, Monaco) that Alonso already not rely more.

Only a note, Hamilton with all the possible helps on the part of Dennis, with the help of the fia (this Nurburing's derrick) with the help of Alonso and Of the rose to do the setup of the car and nonetheless(though), Alonso comes with options in the last career(race) and loses the world one for an alone point.

In end(purpose), I hope that Dennis's bad(wrong) management spends(passes) invoice to him(her) and let's not return to see it in the circuits.

alonso, madrid, madrid

Not another year with Alonso! The sooner he leaves, the better - not only for McLaren, but for F1 in general. He's proved to be nothing but a spoiled primadonna, who could not accept that a more talented driver had proved better than him. Simple as that. Kick him out once and for all. I doubt Ferrari will ever be interested in him: they're far too greedy to employ someone ready to stub them in the back as soon as HE doesn't make the grade. Briatore is welcome to him.
By the way: Hamilton has already shown to be the best F1-driver in the world. You have to be an idiot not to have noticed.

Erik, Stockholm, Sweden

Of course, the best for McLaren is to keep FA, in order to control him, and to hand the championship to LH on a plate. He could be successful the second time.

¿The best for FA? I don't know.

Carlos, Madrid,

Just a sugestion for the next article: Five reason why Ron Dennis should be fired.

Carlos, Madrid,

Stop calling us "Spaniards". Call us Spanish.

And what's that "Alonso’s conduct" song... You cannot believe that everything is Alonso's fault. How would you react an feel if your team shows a clear preference for your "team mate", race after race...

Peich, Peichland,

alonso is a great driver.you know,he has two campion.I believe he can get one more in the next two years!

king, tianjin, china

Alonso and Hamilton, are both supreme divers and hungry winners. This is what happens when harsh competition arrives. However, from the first moment Alonso stepped into the team, all of Alonso's car configurations landed on Hamilton's desktop. Yes it is the equity principle. Under that premise, Hamilton should also have worked on his car, instad of playing with the ps3 to memorize the tracks, (which was also needed, of course).
It has been a very difficult season for McLaren, especially because they worked under the premise that the enemy was "at home", instead of making something huge out of the two fastest drivers on the track.
Of course, so much fighting has burned the team, and the results have spoken for themselves.

Other than that, and regarding the spionage issue, it is very strange that a team that is struggling to classify during one season, suddendly becomes the fastest cars on the track. Alonso's experience has probably played a role there, but he does not make miracles.

Sascha, Madrid, Spain

I actually don't think Alonso's chances to leave the team are real. After the nice punishment in form of hundreds of million €, it would be a waste kicking Alonso out. The other reason as the post says is the need for a real pilot to make the job for the english hope/pilot.

I reckon that LH will be much under pressure next year after what he has been able to do this current season. And that is one of the reasons why RD had to change criteria and give some preference to FA this year. That might have resulted in the championship for FA and less pressure for LH next year .

Another reason for keeping FA are the new rules for the next year, if not keep waiting as we will see drivers with more difficulties this following season .

Here we are all adults and we can say that neither Alonso, RD or LH and his daddy are innocent in any way. Here all of them have part of the cake.

Aaron, Dublin, Ireland

He must go. For the intrest of the sport.
If he does not we will have yet another year of spanish press turning formula 1 into a press circus.

Aaron, Gibraltar, Gibraltar

What a rubbish article,or was it to give the Sanish F1 experts another chance to explain the poor performance of the beloved Alonso.Get him out of McClaren asap,and let him take his antics to another team.McClaren do not need Alonso,F1 does not need Alonso,and no Im not a Hamilton fan,the most complete driver in F1 is the new champion,and rightly so.

Peter, Baguio, Philippines

Nobody in spain wants Alonso to remain in Mc Laren.

andonius, madrid, spain

Can alonso to trust in Hamilton/Dennis if he continuous in Maclaren the next season.

Manel, Barcelona, Spain

Five Reasons Why Fernando Alonso Cannot Stay...

1. He does not trust Ron Dennis anymore.

2. He cannot work with people who led him to be, I quote him: "depressed" during an entire season. It is not healthy for a professional driver to evolve in an hostile environment, especially because he has to risk his life on a daily basis.

3. He cannot lose his desire to compete because he has been purchased to complete the formation of Ron Dennis' creature, namely Hamilton.

4. He cannot risk his life in cars which have a questionable tyre pressure and/or other mechanical failures, seemingly not concerning his team mate.

5. He cannot work with people ignoring his status of double world champion, and even ignoring his status of human being.

Are these reasons sufficient? They are rather metaphysical, but they summarize the situation pretty well, I believe.

Julie, France,

Hope you don't have Alonso next year... I'd like to see how good is Ha-ha-hamilton without him.

Chuzo, Tenerife,

Hi everyone,

I hope that it nevers happens, Mclaren has made everyting to give the championship to Hamilton when Alonso is better, and must be the 1st driver in Mclaren.

sorry but Alonso must be in other team.

:) Best regards from Spain

SORRY FOR ME ENGLISH :( I'm from Spain :D

David, Pamplona, Spain

I don´t know if Fernando should stay in Mclaren or not, but I would like him and Lewis in different teams, just to see how capable is Lewis without Fernando by his side...

profesormarciano, Madrid, Spain

Incredible. After a huge discredit campaign, now english press want Fernando Alonso to stay? You should have thought it before.
Fernando, you are going to be better anywhere else except McLaren.

Montse, Madrid, Spain

Everyone seems to be forgetting the key issue - the binding CONTRACT that FA has with McL!

Repeating a falsehood 1000 times will not make it a truth - honest transaltion of the FA's interviews in the spanish press would reveal that he wasn't requesting preferential treatment, as the British press would like you to believe but, rather, not to be treated as a No.2 driver!

After the team's failure to prevent Hamilton from stealing the qualifying advantage in Hungary, it should be clear to any unbiased observer, that the "equal driver" policy is a myth (see also Coulthard's quaote above).

It would be insane for FA not to WANT to leave. However, the devil is in the detail - HOW to get it done! McL would release him only if they can get "adequately" paid.

marinne, New York, USA

Ron Dennis: "We were racing Fernando".

If Alonso's best option is staying at McLaren with such a manager in charge, I really feel pity for him.

John, London, UK

Hi Ed,
you forgot the sixth and most important reason: Ron Dennis finally understoods that he can not handle a leader team in F1 and resigns.
And.....do you know who does McLaren hire to manage the team?...... Flavio Briatore.

Ed, you're really incredible. We actually needed a joke like your article after this crazy season.

Angel, Alcalá, Spain

This season Alonso had to fight against the rest of the racers... and against his own team. He will end up driving a Ferrary, that's a fact, but in the meantime I don't see him driving a McLaren again.

I am expectant to see how Lewis does without him in the team.

Pedro, Saragossa, Spain

Two reasons why Lewis should go to Spyker:

1. He cannot handle the pressure. All he needed to do to finish the job was to finish fourth in two races with a car that at worst can finish fourth. And HE BLEW IT!

2. He cannot remain calm if he is not ahead. He's made mistakes in Nurburgring, Turkey, China, Brazil, and was lucky with the rail in Monaco. He did a good job in Japan and Canada when he was first all the time. So if he moved to a bad team he would learn how it is to start in the back of the grid and get used to have cars ahead of him. This is how Fernando became a phenomenal driver in Minardi. And this is why Vettel will be a world champion when he gets a good car.

Pau, Barcelona,

I guess that the reasons why McLaren despairingly wants Fernando to stay are the same it wanted him to come:

1.- Tune up the car.
2.- Pass the telemetrics to its English champion.
3.- Don´t you dare to win the championship: It's for LH.

Once Alonso should have performed points 1 and 2, does anybody think Ron Dennis, English media or the English memebers of FIA wouldn't make pressure enough to ensure point 3 as they did the present year?.

And a question for German readers: I may understand English favoritism for LH, but shouldn't Mercedes be more interested on winning the championship than stupidly supporting a rookie?.

Anxelete, Oviedo, Alonso's home town, Spain

I´ve been following Ed's blog all year and I just can't believe what I'm reading.
1 FA at the heart of McL project during the season? you must be joking. LH is in their heart, and the treatment Alonso has received is appalling.
2 Now Alonso is the most complete driver in the grid?. First time you mention it Ed. Of course is pure common sense to have him in your team, but making him feel miserable and overrated all year long I believe is not the best of tactics to keep him in.
3 Talking about tactics. After the brilliant display of the last two races. This article is the bridge over the river kwai, built by force ( hard facts about Alonso against all his flaws repeated to infinity and beyond thoroughout the year).
I could go on for hours, but ay the top of the article you can see a picture of oviedo's square. Not a single silver banner.
He should go back to Renault, where, despite he signed with the rivals, they treated him great. And he returned the favor!!
He'll be happier.

Fernando, Emporda, Spain

The main problem is not Fernando Alonso but Ron Dennis. I don't know what was said between them in Hungary prior to the race but whatever it was, it was taken out of context and Ron Dennis fed the British press a version suitable for the subsequent slaughter job that bore its fruits at Interlagos.

In a single overtaking manoeuvre, Fernando Alonso demolished the chances of Ron and Bernie's Designated One and he put paid to all the trash dished out by the British and German press ever since the week prior to the Belgian Grand Prix.

That's why we were all celebrating in Spain, because it was clearly shown to the world what each of the McLaren drivers are made of.

If the McLaren sponsors and shareholders demand that Fernando Alonso remain another year in the team, it will be good for car development but I suspect Ron Dennis would again make the same mistakes. However, I hope Alonso will be better in the opening stages of the season now that he knows the Bridgestones.

Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain

Alonso has outperformed Hamilton in 10 races out of 17 (11/17 if we count Hungary´s FIA-daddy Hamilton´s robbery of his pole position); Remember Alonso running wide in Spanish GP start trying to overtake Massa in a risk move? He was racing Ferrari, not Hamilton, who benefited from his mistake. Should Hamilton would have been a championship contender by that start of the season, and not only since Canada, Alonso´s would have changed rivalry focus and some race decisions.

Even with a hostile environment in McLaren, Alonso has proved more consistent. But how can you stay in a team you can´t trust, what happened in Bahrein, China´s Q3 or Brazil? Sabotage? Dunno, but aren´t they same guys sentenced and fined for cheating and commiting spionage on other team? and Alonso is guilty of what? testify against these cheating morons? Yeah, kill the messenger... in which civilized country a manager of a company that has committed a crime would not be fired inmediately?

David, Marbella, Spain

(ironic) Of course he shouldn't leave. That way Ron Dennis and Hamilton know Alonso's strategy, the set-ups of his car and can do whatever they want to fight him. Plus, they need the sponsors he brings to the team after the FIA's fee.

oconel, Hogsmade,

Alonso knows he has the support of his followers which might seem patriotic and all that but made him the most backed up ( by supporters ) driver this year. If he doesn't leave Maclaren it will be because his sponosrs don't allow him to, If he goes. I would like to see which driver will want Lh as a team mate , after all the things he has said about Alonso. perharps he would do better having a team just for himself.
Or are you trying to tell us it is better the devil you know.........

Elena, Avilés, Spain

"Sack" Alonso and buy/hire Nico Rosberg from Williams Now!!

Doug W, Burnaby, B.C, Canada

I guess the reasons why McLaren despairingly wants Fernando to stay are the same why it wanted him to come:

1.- Tune up the car.
2.- Pass the telemetrics to its English champion.
3.- Don´t you dare to win the championship: It's for LH.

Once Alonso should have performed points 1 and 2, does anybody think Ron Dennis, English media or the English members of FIA wouldn't make pressure enough to ensure point 3, as they did the present year?.

And a question for German readers: I may understand English favouritism for LH, but shouldn't Mercedes be more interested on winning the championship than stupidly supporting a rookie?.

Anxelete, Oviedo, Alonso's home town, Spain

Alonso mustn't stay in McLaren team next season. Ron Dennis would favor Hamilton, and therefore would have a season like this one.

That is not convenient to anyone: neither Dennis nor Hamilton nor Alonso.

When two are not well, should be separated. And if you are not two but three, there is more reason.

Why do you want, Ed, Alonso remains at McLaren? Could it be because this is the only possibility that McLaren has a competitive car next year? Could it be because the long hours from Hamilton with the Play Station and the simulator are not used to getting a winning car, right?

Julio, Jaén, Spain

Call me crazy but I do think that Toyota is the best option for Alonso. His brilliance and Toyota's money is the perfect match to make a car that will rival all. Sign a three year contract for 150 million, then work hard and make everybody cry. I would love Alonso to leave abd compete with Ferrari and Macaren. It will show all what a genius he is behind the wheel. This is not about Spain and England and I wish you all would stop the racism and prejudice. Grow up kids!!

Siraj, Toronto, Canada

Qualifying:
Australian Fernando Alonso
Malaysian Fernando Alonso
Bahrain Lewis Hamilton(*)
Spanish Fernando Alonso
Monaco Fernando Alonso
Canadian Lewis Hamilton
United States Lewis Hamilton
French Lewis Hamilton
British Lewis Hamilton
European Fernando Alonso
Hungarian Fernando Alonso(**)
Turkish Lewis Hamilton
Italian Fernando Alonso
Belgian Fernando Alonso
Japanese Lewis Hamilton
Chinese Lewis Hamilton
Brazilian Lewis Hamilton

Best placed between the to drivers after qualifying:
Alonso: 8
Hamilton: 9

Ramon S., Valby, Denmark

to Sam from Dubai. Fernando Alonso may be Spaniard but he is not "latino" at all. People from the north of Spain have nothing to do with latinos. In the land of Alonso we play pipes and drink cider like other cultures all along the west coast of Europe.
Alonso should leave Maclaren because he does not trust Ron Dennis and Ron does not trust Fernando. Mclaren says that there is not a favourite pilot but it is false. Fernando did not ask to be the first pilot, he only wanted to be treated as Hamilton, but after de Hungry incident it was clear that Hamilton was the prefered one, so Maclaren now deserves to lose Fernando and see how Alonso beats them racing and winning for another f1 team.

Xuanon, Oviedo, Spain

You have to take into consideration that next year traction control will be banned from Formula 1. So it is new ball game, a new car. Who do you think will develop the car?
Lewis Hamilton? You gotta be kidding!
Fernando Alonso is currently the Most complete Formula 1 driver, and Mclaren will regret if Alonso leaves Mclaren.

SUZIE, Los Angeles, USA/California

I think the best option for alonso is getting out from an english team with an english driver,everybody knows that will never be fair play,now you want him to stay but only to avoid the others teams becamne stronger.

javiere, malaga, spain

Alonso will not continue next year in McLaren.
How are you going to continue with a team that has made him lose the championship? Remember, with the points of GP Hungary Alonso would be the champion.
McLaren = Bad manager and bad companion.

Tote, Madrid, España

I doubt that Alonso has very much appetite to work with Hamilton in 2008. This is after the incident in Hangary in Q3 when Hamilton reversed the order out of the pits, pre-agreed, and 6x refused the direct Ron Dennis order to correct positions on the track. Thereafter Hamilton played the "I did nothing" card at the post qualifying interviews. Alonso's perspective thereafter appears to be that he could never again trust Hamilton and the Team apparently did nothing to convince Alonso that such conduct would NOT be accepted. Rather Alonso got the 5 grid position penalty for his silly tit for tat reaction in the heat of the moment.
Ergo how on earth does McLaren and Ron Dennis in particular, convince Alonso that McLaren provides the best team for his talents? Sure FA may shoot his mouth off and say silly stuff in anger, but his team mate has sure hogged and played the media card in 2007 as well. 2008 will be more of the same fighting for sure. RD has lost control over both his drivers.

Ian, Madison, NJ, USA

David Coulthard and the "equal treatment in McLaren":

'The door opened and Ron [Dennis] walked in. I stood up to shake his hand and Ron ignored me. Instead he strode over to sit next to Mika and said, "What's the plan, guys?" We all listened to Mika's plans [for the race] and then Ron said, "OK, what are they doing?" Here was my team principal talking about me as if I was a rival team. "They" is not a word you use in a team situation, surely? At that exact moment, I think the naivety, the innocence of my youth, shattered around me.'
Coulthard went on to explain that, despite continual assurances to the contrary, it took Dennis a few years to admit that he did favour Hakkinen.

(No doubt for me: Alonso must go).

fernando, alcoy,

Dear Mr. Ed: Information you`re giving at this time is a 180º turn over past information. I`m sure your sources are pretty accurate. Both sides, Mc Laren and Fernando, will have to give in. Fernando shouldn`t make declarations which are like adding gas on a fire, and Mc Laren should acknowledge they tried to take advantage from a twice world champion but not treating him like it. Besides, the whole team is british, and they`ve got one british driver. I think it needs no effort to believe that situation must be a hard place for a foreigner, specially in a very competitive enviroment. Among all this, I`m sure Vodafone is risking too much money for making sort of crazy strategy Mr. Dennis did last season betting on a rookie and ended up with nothing.

Capitan Araña, Getxo, spain

Alonso has done nothing wrong, and has not behaved in an arrogant way. MacLaren, and more precisely Ron Dennis, have been thad oddly enough invested a lot of money to buy the best driver that F1 has nowadays (Alonso) to then treat him like a nobody to try and get Hamilton to win the championship. Result? no win whatsoever, many scandals, and a bad reputation for McLaren. Yes!!!!!it's a great management, isn't it?.

PS. - Alonso will be a champion wherever he goes, I am not so sure about MClaren!!!!

Raquel, London,

To Raquel: that is what fans do, support their idol no matter what! you might only support people as long as they win, others prefer to be loyal.

Ana, London,

Question: Do you know what the English football team and Lewis Hamilton in common?
Answer{ They both have useless MacLarens

alan maddox, prenton, wirral

FA must leave Mclaren if he wants to win next year, that's real true.

Fernando, Oviedo, España

The question Dennis must ask himself is, "how will Alonso react if Hamilton is quicker than him?"
I fear that he will react in the same petulant manner he has over the past year,damaging the team and the sport. Personally i think Hamilton already has the measure of Alonso, and in with a season under his belt will be able to ascert himself as the number one driver by results.

G Wilson, London, UK

you still do not seem to understand "miserable Iberians" and Latinos!

Forget about "mutual interest" and "money" which might be important and logic in England. The "Iberian" is unhappy, because he was not treatet with the respect he certainly deserved. RESPECT is what matters, not money, not titles - which FA already has.

And one thing you can be sure off, Ed: A "Latino" would never forget such a disrespectful treatment, NEVER. FA will definitely NOT stay with McLaren. And after the experience of working for a British managed team certainly not gamble and move to Williams.

FA is a GREAT HERO in Spain & for many fans worldwide. He attracts a lot of interational sponsors, who have the power to get him to a team where he can compete for the championship.So please do not worry, the ML-FA "team"-story is over.

And another thing you should try to understand Ed,which is important to Latinos: "REVENGE".This is what FA will be working for in future,not "mutual interest" nor "money"

Sam, Dubai,

You want Alonso to work in the new car an again give advantages to Louis. I hope Alonso will go away and you will not have a good car next year.

Roberto, Madrid,

Don't underestimate the power of the F(avio). If Fernando is not happy in McLaren I presume that he'll do whatever is in his hand to change it. Either a clear line of conduct all around the year from McLaren or moving away...and I have only to remind everyone that it took him only 2 years to make Renault competitive.

Antonio Xixon but in UK, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Ron Dennis manager of the year...for Ferrari.
He would be sacked, he put his personal feelings before the company´s interests.
He is a poor manager, and just for that Alonso would leave.

Víctor , Manchester, UK

Williams is the most likely birth for Alonso. A one year contact with the option of a second year rather than the 3 year contract Renault want. Lets not forget Williams are the second most successful team in F1 history after Ferrari.
On the other hand Williams also have a policy of equality so Alonso could well come under pressure again from a fast team mate like Rosberg. If he starts being moody again he is going to end up unemployable .As Perdo De LA Rosa said to Autosport.co.uk there was 100% equality at Mclaren. Alonso has good race craft but lacks speed over a single qualifiying lap and this cost him dear in 2007.With the banning of traction control it's vital Alonso doesn't sit out the season. It's going to take some time all of the drivers to come to terms with the lack of traction control.

mikel, London, England

It´s Mc Laren who really needs Alonso.

- All F1 teams has declared that they would love to have him in their teams..There are public offers even.

- Is there any top pilot who wants to join Mc Laren? At least I haven´t heard so..and I doubt that any of them wants to be 2nd pilot after LH.

So, Ron Dennis could find himself with LH and other rookie to develop and tune a new car...It´s a shame that job can´t be done through a PlayStation, then Hamilton would be world champion.

If Mc Laren is reluctant to free FA after how much he allegedly harmed the team...Why? It´s just because as you said "business is business" or it´s because Mc Laren know they haven´t been fair and their bets on Hamilton proven wrong?

Let´s face reality. After confidence is broken it´s impossible to mend no matter how much money there is at stake.

If Mc Laren wish to win the constructor championship they better hire another pilot, FA and LH are not going to work as a team ever

Erestor, Madrid,

Alonso will continue at Mclaren team next season. Ron cannot risk to another failure. Both (ALonso and Dennis) are not easy persons but clever and the next year will show us that they can to be a real good team.

Dani, Girona,

I still find it amazing that Ed Gorman has such a one-sided view. If they nobbled Alonso's car, of course he's going to complain! This isn't cricket, for goodness sake. Either that or Santander will force Hamilton to be number 2 driver, which is where he belongs.

Bernie, Murcia, Spain

Why do the Brittish always get knocked for showing patriotism?
The Spanish have idolised Alonso, made him a God, he can do no wrong, is untouchable. They had a huge party planned on the night of the Brazil race and when he didn´t win they had the party "because Hamilton didn´t win" (as explained by a Spanish TV reporter!) This weekend they had a massive ticker tape, "welcome home to the champion" celebration for him! and that was with a 3RD place finish!!! It looked as big as the England rugby World champions home coming in 2003, then they have the cheek to talk about the British patriotism being too much!!!

raquel, Valencia,

Alonso(23) will continue at Mclaren team next season. Ron cannot risk to another failure. Both (ALonso and Dennis) are not easy persons but clever and the next year will show us that they can to be a real good team.

Dani, Girona,

Alonso will continue at Mclaren team next season. Ron cannot risk to another failure. Both (ALonso and Dennis) are not easy persons but clever and the next year will show us that they can to be a real good team.

Dani, Girona,

I know lets make Alonso the number one TEST driver for the team at least he will be number 1 again which should make him happy

Simon , Birmingham , UK

Nice article indeed.
Who would like to go to McLaren if Fernando leaves knowing the team bets for Hamilton?
McLaren has a really competitive car, will Alonso leave the team so easily?
The key is Ron. He is the manager..and if he can't manage the situation, he shall leave the team. He has the two better pilots in the F1 and lost the championship.
Mr Ecclestone must be happy with this situation...big business!

Manel, Barcelona,

now we have fear of alonso going somewhere else?

lewis has had enough advantages already
macca again?.. no thanks.

the back of the grid is what dennis and his wonderpuppy deserved.

RONNI KING, ISTAN, MARBELLA

Alonso did not 'threaten' Dennis; he was blackmailing him. If Dennis was the straight sportsman he declares he is, Alonso would be out of the team BEFORE the Spanish GP.

We follow F1 because it is a sport, not because it is a 'very pragmatic' business. Alonso, who demands 'special treatment', has no place in a sport team; yes, exactly like Michael 'Assassin' Schumacher.

Firstly, let's bring some sport into F1 - then we will be able to bring it back its main traditional virtues, like car control and spectacular driving.

Rony, Tel Aviv,

Alonso will stay at McLaren at least one season more. Porobably, he will win an then... nobody will want to remenber this days

APR, Madrid, Spain

how typical the spanish defending alonso!!!
Alonso is the only one to blame he is a bad if not horrible looser !!! Just cause Hamilton was out performing him in the same car..(after all in the same car if he was truly a better driver he would have finished first) he wanted to be number one. He should focus on improving as a driver and welcome the challenge after all nothing makes up a more memorable career then a good rivalry and nothing makes a champion appreciate a title more then when it comes as the result of hard word just like Kimi Raikonnen god only knows how sweet this season's victory must taste.

paul , sliema, malta

To alonso stay in Maclaren-Mercedes enxt season, I think must be necessary first, fire Ron Dennis, Norbert Haug and Martin Whismart, beacuse last season they supported the "no equity" policy in the Team. Very difficult issue. Perhaps would be easier and cheaper that Fernando could leave the team by free.

Humberto, Madrid, Spain

Ron Dennis: "We were racing Fernando"

Have FA ever been in McLaron supported by anybody?

NO.

Alonso must go to another team, where he just get one think: support from his team. McLaren is Britsh, Lewis is British, F1 is British. Alonso can win Lewis on the track, but he cannot fight against those political monsters.

Regards.

Javier, Madrid,

Well, well, well... So, again, the only one to blame is Alonso, isn't he, Ed ? Your are a very realistic and talented journalist, and no biased at all!

Alfonso, Jaen, Spain

Fernando please get rid of this rotten team. Where are you going into a team managed by one who being in charge of more than 1000 headcount and $500 million budget made such a ridiculous season?. It is better challange to start a new project developing a potencial car.

Carlos, Madrid, España

The reason for Alonso not to stay with McLaren is simple. If Alonso believes that McLaren sabotaged his efforts (low tire pressures etc.) then it just isn't worth it for him to continue at McLaren. Also having a boss (Denis) who said McLaren was competing against Alonso hardly is reason for confidence that future sabotage will not occur.

Jay, New Delhi, India

If Alonso finally decides to stay, there are high probabilities McLaren's behaviour to be repeated (yes! it is the conspiracy theory yet), so I'd prefer he leaves, even if this means to miss the championship fight for a couple of years. The reconciliation may be possible, but how long it'll last once the season started? If confidence has completely dissappeared in both directions, it's in "mutual interest" they split up.

Adolfo, Ferrol, Spain

What a poorly written column. You have laid all the blame upon Alonso's doorstep when, of the three principals (FA, LH, RD), he was likely the least blame-worthy.
Going to another team may pose a risk to Alonso, but it is clear that McLaren would find themselves in a very difficult spot without their best driver and developer.

Matt, Japan,

Alonso has been treated terribly by the Hamilton/Dennis clan and the UK motoring press. At least Alonso would be appreciated at Renault.

Frank, West Palm Beach, USA FL