Fernando Alonso admitted brief preliminary talks took place with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team about his availability to replace out-going World Champion Nico Rosberg, but admitted that he was happy where he was.
The McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team driver spoke about the talks at the launch of the team’s striking new MCL32, but admitted that they were brief as his desire was to continue with the Woking-based team, at least for the 2017 season, which will be the third year of his initial three-year contract.
“When Rosberg retired, there were a couple of days where I had some conversations and phone calls, but there was no point to discuss anything because I was happy at McLaren,” said Alonso on Autosport.
“Let’s say Mercedes, after the surprise of Rosberg, had to do a little check of everyone – which was understandable. It was nothing really strange or really deep into the conversation or the possibility, it was just a check round they did with everyone.
“With me, they wanted to hear the situation. My situation was clear: I had this year with McLaren-Honda and I was happy here and there was no point to talk any more about the possibility.”
Alonso revealed that it would be around the summer break in August that he would begin talks with McLaren about his future, and he would decide whether he would stay or go.
“Until August/September there is no point to talk about anything, I will be fully concentrated on this year’s championship and see which of the teams and cars will be competitive with the new rules,” said Alonso. “We could find a new team dominating F1 now with these new cars.”
