Ex-Ferrari President tells Italian TV Alonso "cannot wait to win again"; Ferrari yet to officially confirm Alonso's exit or expected arrival of Sebastian Vettel; Spaniard heavily linked with McLaren
Wednesday 22 October 2014 08:57, UK
Former president Luca di Montezemolo appears to have confirmed Fernando Alonso’s departure from Ferrari after admitting the driver wants "another environment".
The Spanish driver is yet to reveal any decision about his future, but it is understood he has agreed to terminate the final two years of his contract, with Sebastian Vettel taking his place at Ferrari after cutting ties with Red Bull.
Di Montezemolo had overseen Alonso’s five-season stay at Ferrari before he officially left his long-held role on Monday and admits the 33-year-old needs a fresh start to revive his hopes of winning another Drivers’ Championship.
Alonso is leaving for two reasons: One, he wants another environment. Two, because he is an age when he cannot wait to win again.
He told Italian television channel RAI: "Alonso is leaving for two reasons: One, he wants another environment. Two, because he is an age when he cannot wait to win again."
Alonso, a world champion in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, had hoped to add further titles after joining Ferrari in 2010.
But he finished runner-up to Vettel in three of the last four years and currently sits sixth in the standings, with Lewis Hamilton leading the way ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.
Ferrari's barren run without a constructors' title stretches back to 2008 and neither Alonso nor teammate Kimi Raikkonen have topped the podium this season.
"He was disappointed that he has not won over these last years and wanted new stimulus," said Di Montezemolo, who has been replaced by Sergio Marchionne after ending his 23-year reign.
A move to McLaren appears the most likely option for Alonso, but his arrival would cast doubt over the future of 2009 champion Jenson Button, who will be out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Quizzed about what he will do next, Button said last weekend: "I'm no longer annoyed when people keep asking me.
"I was (annoyed) at the last race, but I am more relaxed with it. It is getting so close to the end of the season, it is actually getting funny.
"But I'm not worried or scared with regard to whatever direction I go in in the future."
