Lewis Hamilton breathed a sigh of relief last night as his McLaren Mercedes team took their revenge on Fernando Alonso for a season of disruption and intrigue. His Spanish teammate was called to the McLaren headquarters in Woking, Surrey, for what he thought would be negotiations to save his future with the team. But he was effectively dismissed by Ron Dennis, McLaren’s team principal, who tore up his contract for what amounted to disloyalty.

A statement issued by McLaren claimed the decision to split was by mutual consent. But it appears Dennis had decided long before the meeting that Alonso’s place was no longer tenable. However, there was still considerable sadness on both sides at the need to break up a relationship that at first seemed like the dream team.

Hamilton, the 22-year-old Briton who missed out on winning the World Championship by one point after a season of infighting with his Spanish teammate, will have no say in who replaces Alonso.

McLaren issued a statement saying that it was “in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end”, but the sadness on both sides was palpable. Dennis had regarded Alonso as a driver with the potential to join the McLaren greats, such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Mika Hakkinen, while Alonso spoke of having dreamt of driving for the team since he was a boy.

“He [Alonso] is a great driver, but for some reason the combination has not really worked out and we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward,” Dennis said.

Hamilton was the surprise package, the boy wonder catapulted into the team because Dennis had lost Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari and could not control Juan Pablo Montoya, who deserted for the riches of NASCAR in the United States. Hamilton was expected to be a wet-behind-the-ears rookie and turned out to be the biggest sensation for a generation, capable of beating the two-times world champion. And it hurt – so much that Alonso’s standing was eroded by infighting and accusations that he was treated unfairly by his team, claims he retracted yesterday.

But his departure raises the two biggest mysteries to finish off an extraordinary Formula One season: where will Alonso go and who will replace him? Ferrari have ruled themselves out, with Raikkonen established as world champion and the highest-paid driver in the paddock and Felipe Massa resigned until 2010.

That leaves Renault as favourites to take Alonso back to where he won his two world titles. Flavio Briatore, the Renault team principal and Alonso’s manager and long-time mentor, wants his protégé back, although he faces having to match the £13.5 million that McLaren were paying Alonso to beat off the competition because Toyota are so desperate that they would break the bank to get him.

Alonso is said to have turned down an astonishing £28 million-a-year offer, more than even Michael Schumacher was paid at his peak, which means that he thinks Toyota have nothing but money to offer. Red Bull have the money and ambition but not the will, with Christian Horner, the team principal, not sure that the time is right for either side.

What is certain is that no team other than Ferrari or McLaren can offer the chance of a speedy return to the top of the podium.

McLaren have their own dilemma, with a replacement for Alonso not immediately obvious. Dennis admires Nico Rosberg at Williams, but Sir Frank Williams has said that the youngster, still with a year on his contract, is not going anywhere. Heikki Kovalainen, of Renault, has been pushed forward but Briatore is more likely to keep him alongside Alonso and ditch the underperforming Giancarlo Fisichella. One option would be to promote Pedro De La Rosa, McLaren’s long-time test driver.

Whatever the choices for both sides, McLaren have the upper hand at the end of an unhappy affair. They still have Hamilton, a championship contender, but Alonso is in the cold, looking at a year in which, barring a miracle, he will have no chance of becoming champion for a third time.

Transfer talk – where the Spaniard could head next

Fernando Alonso’s potential new stablemates

Hot tips

Renault
For Won two world titles under Flavio Briatore, his mentor, manager and the managing director of the team, who originally spotted the Spaniard’s talent. Would be undisputed No 1 in the team and knows the engineering staff inside out. Renault also need big-name signing and, chances are, Briatore is already writing out the contract.
Against Renault were way off the pace in 2007 and have a budget much smaller than their main rivals. Lacked Alonso’s leadership, but the danger is he will struggle to repeat his 2005 and 2006 heroics.

Red Bull
For Would love a high-profile driver of Alonso’s fame, reputation – and youth. The present drivers, David Coulthard and Mark Webber, have a combined age of 70. Emerging, though, with Adrian Newey, formerly McLaren’s chief designer, at the helm. Against Unlikely to be winning next season and Christian Horner, the principal, is happy if experienced hands can aid car development.

Williams Toyota
For Despite a severe downturn since Jacques Villeneuve won the title a decade ago, the team have experience and talent. New Toyota engines have also proved good enough, with the Williams chassis, to outpace the Toyota factory team.
Against No chance of winning regularly in an underfunded team. Not a lovey-dovey environment for drivers; Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head, his partner, do not allow whining.

Outside bet
Toyota
For Lots and lots of money and a determination to win.
Against Clueless on how to build a Formula One car. Alonso has turned them down.


Lewis’s running mate
Who could replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren

Hot tips

Nico Rosberg
For First choice of Ron Dennis, the McLaren team principal. Son of Keke, the 1982 world champion, he turned down an academic career to go racing. Speaks five languages, is photogenic and an exciting driver, who proved tenacious in an average Williams.
Against Almost as inexperienced as Hamilton. Fiercely ambitious and will not back down if Hamilton demands No 1 status. Hamilton is believed to be against him as he is seen as a potential threat.

Heikki Kovalainen
For Could be straight swap for Alonso at Renault. Seventh last season in an undistinguished car and was soon beating Giancarlo Fisichella, his more experienced teammate. Great talent and easy to work with.
Against Inexperienced and timid, could be overawed by the Hamilton bandwagon.

Mark Webber
For Could be straight swap for Alonso at Red Bull. Swashbuckling and experienced Australian, desperate to drive a winning car. Has terrific media image, beloved of sponsors, is articulate, intelligent and works well with his engineers.
Against Sceptical of the Hamilton phenomenon to the point of dislike. Will not back down to Hamilton’s demands, and will make Alonso look like a softie if it comes to a battle for status in the garage.

Outside bet
Pedro De La Rosa
For Long-serving McLaren test driver who filled in for absent Juan Pablo Montoya. Also a Spaniard, to please McLaren’s Spanish sponsors. Solid and unlikely to threaten Hamilton’s No 1 position.
Against Played significant role in the Ferrari-gate affair, which soured relations with McLaren officials. Unlikely to win races.