Fernando Alonso was right to leave Ferrari for McLaren this season, despite the former emerging as Mercedes’ closest rival, whilst McLaren is fighting just to score points.
That is the view of Alonso’s former manager, Flavio Briatore, who claims anyone who isn’t driving a Mercedes has no chance at winning the title at present, therefore it’s best to take a gamble for thr future.
“I believe at one point in Ferrari it was over, from both sides. I believe it was a good change,” the Italian told Reuters. “McLaren is a serious team. Honda we know is a great company.
“I don’t think the situation of [Daniel] Ricciardo is better than that of Fernando. In Formula 1 at the moment you have one team and it’s Mercedes. Whatever other team you are second, and second is the first of the losers.”
Briatore doesn’t believe Ferrari have made a huge step forward like some claim, but in fact teams like Williams and Red Bull have fallen back, giving the impression that Ferrari has caught up.
“[Sebastian] Vettel was seven tenths from Lewis [Hamilton during qualifying in Monaco] and last year Fernando was fifth and also seven tenths [off pole],” explained the 65-year-old.
“Between Ferrari and Mercedes it is the same distance. The problem is three or four teams are not there any more.”
Briatore reckons Alonso has a better chance of title success at McLaren, even if at the moment it doesn’t look at all successful.
“With Honda and McLaren, [he has] a better future,” he said. “He is happy to be staying at McLaren now.”
