Alonso Considered Multiple F1 Teams Before Committing to McLaren-Honda for 2015
Fernando Alonso revealed he held talks with nearly every Formula One team except Force India, Sauber and Manor before choosing McLaren-Honda for the 2015 season.
Fernando Alonso said he explored nearly every option on the Formula One grid before signing with McLaren-Honda for the 2015 season, confirming that he held talks with all but three teams during a hectic two-week period at the end of 2014.
Alonso, who left Ferrari after five seasons and three runner-up finishes in the drivers' championship, told Spanish broadcaster Movistar TV that he and his management discussed a 2015 drive with every team except Force India, Sauber and Manor. The decision to join McLaren, he said, was driven by the British team's ambitions and long-term project with Honda, despite the risk of short-term pain.
Why Alonso left Ferrari for McLaren-Honda
Alonso's move surprised many in the paddock, as Ferrari appeared to be on the rise after a difficult period. By mid-2015, Ferrari had returned to regular podium contention, but Alonso insisted he had no regrets about leaving Maranello. He described his time at Ferrari as five fantastic years but said he was convinced by McLaren's vision for the future, even if it meant enduring a tough development year.
Alonso acknowledged that expectations at McLaren-Honda were higher than the reality delivered in early 2015. He said that after the first test in Jerez, it became clear that the season would be a learning process rather than a fight for wins. Still, he argued that Formula One projects take time and likened the process to building a football team, where results are not immediate.
Teams excluded from Alonso's talks
- Force India
- Sauber
- Manor
Alonso's openness about his negotiations confirms the level of uncertainty surrounding his next move at the time. While speculation linked him to top teams including Mercedes and Red Bull, only McLaren's project persuaded him to sign. He maintained that patience would eventually bring success to the new McLaren-Honda partnership.
For more on the background to Alonso's move and the speculation it generated, see Alonso Reveals Near Hamilton-Ferrari Driver Swap for 2015.
