Fernando Alonso is viable Mercedes' option for 2016 Formula One season

Fernando Alonso finished a disappointing sixth in the Formula One standings in 2014. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

New McLaren-Honda driver could ultimately replace Lewis Hamilton

Two-time Formula One champion and current McLaren-Honda pilot Fernando Alonso is at the top of Mercedes' wish list in the event that champion Lewis Hamilton decides to leave the team after the 2015 season.
That is the admission of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, in comments that might be interpreted as a "hurry up" to F1's reigning world champion. Hamilton's Mercedes deal runs out at the end of 2015, and Wolff had said recently that he wanted to renew it as soon as possible.
"I am optimistic," said Wolff. "The priority is to continue with these drivers, but if that's not possible, Alonso is the first alternative. Then there's [Williams driver Valtteri] Bottas."

With Hamilton and Nico Rosberg under firm contract for 2015, Spaniard Alonso, 33, rejoined the newly works Honda-powered McLaren team for this year after leaving Ferrari. There has been speculation the McLaren deal includes an exit clause that could see Alonso jump to Mercedes for 2016 should a vacancy arise.

Speaking about Alonso's McLaren move, Wolff said: "He is dangerous in any car. If he has a car in his hands that is capable of being sixth, he takes it to third."
 
\By GMM