Sources suggest Alonso could exit Ferrari early
Fernando Alonso may be able to leave Ferrari at the end of 2014 if the team fails to meet a performance clause, according to Italian media reports.
Fernando Alonso's future with Ferrari has come under renewed scrutiny after Italian media reported the Spaniard could be free to leave the team at the end of the 2014 Formula One season if a key performance clause is not met.
Alonso, who joined Ferrari in 2010, is officially contracted with the Maranello team until the end of 2016. However, sources including Autosprint and respected Ferrari insider Leo Turrini report that his contract contains a clause allowing him to leave early if Ferrari fails to finish at least third in the constructors’ championship.
After the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, Ferrari slipped behind Williams for third place in the standings, putting the clause into potential effect. The team’s lack of competitiveness this season has been a source of frustration for Alonso, who has not responded to Ferrari’s proposal to further extend his deal.
Performance clause could trigger exit
Italian reports suggest the performance clause is not unprecedented. Ferrari previously bought out Kimi Raikkonen’s contract at the end of 2009 to make way for Alonso, despite Raikkonen’s deal running to 2010. Similarly, Rubens Barrichello left the team for Honda in 2006, a year after Ferrari had announced a longer commitment.
- Alonso’s contract reportedly allows departure if Ferrari fails to finish at least third in the constructors’ championship.
- Williams overtook Ferrari for third after the Hockenheim race.
- Alonso has yet to accept Ferrari’s contract extension proposal.
Autosprint cited German sources claiming Alonso has already made contact with Mercedes, though there is no confirmation from either party. Speculation over Alonso’s next move has intensified as Ferrari’s on-track struggles continue. Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda was quoted in the Spanish press saying Alonso is frustrated but cannot simply walk away, though the latest contractual details suggest otherwise.
Raikkonen and Ferrari’s 2015 line-up
Alongside uncertainty over Alonso, Ferrari has faced questions about Kimi Raikkonen’s future. Team principal Marco Mattiacci has stated that Raikkonen remains part of Ferrari’s plans for 2015, and sources close to Maranello insist there is no intention to end the Finn’s contract early.
With Alonso yet to confirm his intentions and Ferrari struggling for form, the possibility of a major driver change at Maranello for 2015 cannot be ruled out. The situation is likely to remain fluid as the season progresses and the constructors’ standings develop.
