Fernando Alonso has said that he is not focusing on his future with Ferrari beyond his contract which expires in 2016, but rather improving their current car; the F14 T.
Both Alonso and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, have been hampered by a lack of competitiveness from the current F14 T. By this stage last year, Ferrari had sealed five podiums, including two victories. But in 2014, they have only managed one third place at the Chinese GP, courtesy of Alonso.
Only twice has Alonso been able to challenge for a world title whilst being a Ferrari driver, and has lost out on both occasions. The Spaniard has vented his frustration with the Italian giants, and has given hints that he would want to leave Ferrari before his contract expires. The most noticeable rumour in the paddock is that McLaren are interested in resigning Alonso, who drove for the Woking based team for a single season, in 2007.
However, Alonso is adamant that his focus is solely on trying to fix the issues at Ferrari which have caused them to effectively become a mid-field team, at this current time.
“I’m not thinking too much on longer term because there are bigger priorities at the moment,” Alonso said, when questioned on his future with Ferrari at last weekends British GP.
“I want to help the team and I want to score as many points as possible.
“We need maximum effort, and maximum concentration and team work to improve the car for next year.
“The future after 2016 is something that at the moment is not the main priority, but we will try to see what is the best solution.”
At the Chinese GP, Ferrari were forced to get a new team principal. The Scuderia chose Marco Mattiacci, who had no previous experience of the workings of a Formula One team. The Italian took the place of Stefano Domenicalli who resigned after taking the blame for Ferrari’s poor performance. Despite only getting the one podium so far however, Alonso has urged the supporters of both himself and Ferrari to stay positive about the future.
“There is nothing we can do more than work hard and trust our changes and our people,” Alonso added.
“There is always a programme to follow, a direction to follow – sometime it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong, but we need to stay together and trust the direction Mattiacci or the group of people think is the best.”
