Fernando Alonso’s “frustrations” at McLaren might be a reason the double world champion is hinting at retirement, says former team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr.Alonso, 33, has yet to score a point on his return to McLaren, nor has the team scored points in the first four races.
And the Spaniard recently said “he was looking at other things”, and thinking about “different priorities in life”.
“It’s frustrating — you’re the best but driving ninth, 10th,” said Piquet Jr.
“I’d understand if he wants to retire. I wouldn’t discount him doing that for a year or two, then returning.”
Alonso, who signed a three-year contract with the British team after leaving Ferrari, has managed a 12th and 11th placing so far this season — though both the driver and McLaren say they are confident there will be an improvement in the next race, the Spanish Grand Prix on May 10.
However, there have been suggestions the relationship between Alonso and the team has already become strained.
The Spaniard blamed the steering for a crash in pre-season testing that left him in hospital for three days, and resulted in him missing the opening race in Australia. McLaren denied there was a problem. — Reuters



