DOUBLE world champion Fernando Alonso has revealed he staged talks with Mercedes over the possibility of replacing Nico Rosberg.
The 35-year-old, who won the last of his two titles with Renault more than one decade ago, is entering the final year of his contract at McLaren.
Alonso is widely regarded as one of the best drivers in the history of the sport, but he has not been on the podium since he joined McLaren for a second time in 2015 following the British team’s demise.
And a move to Mercedes would have renewed the explosive rivalry Alonso shared with Lewis Hamilton which led to the Spaniard leaving the team after just one season.
Rosberg stunned the sporting world after he announced his retirement just five days following his title triumph.
“When Rosberg retired there were a couple of days that I had some phone calls which arrived to me,” Alonso said.
“Let’s say that Mercedes, after the surprise of Rosberg, had to do a little check of everyone which is understandable.
“It was nothing really strange, or nothing really deep into the conversations or for the possibilities. It was just a round check that they did with everyone and probably I was one of them to hear my situation.
“But my situation was very clear. I have this year at McLaren-Honda, I am happy here, and that there was no point to talk anymore for any possibility.”
Alonso and his new team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne – hired to replace Jenson Button following his retirement – took the wraps off their new McLaren yesterday.
The McLaren is predominantly orange, a throwback to their formative years in the sport.
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