There is a lot being said at the moment in regard to Fernando Alonso's future with the McLaren Honda team. Almost three years ago the Spanish champion gave up his seat at Ferrari because he fully believed in the new partnership between Honda and McLaren, and he has had nothing but one disappointment after another ever since.
Instead of the team getting better with each passing season, it seems as if they are going backwards with Alonso suffering yet another retirement on the weekend while his young rookie teammate. Stoffel Vandoorne, finishing last and complaining that there were no doubts about it, they were the tenth team on the grid.
Former Australian F1 racer, Mark Webber, has already hinted that Alonso could walk out mid-season, but the reality of the season, no one is really sure just how much more he will take.
But, he is not alone.
It seems as if McLaren are also at their wits end with the Japanese engine giant with rumours going around the Albert Park paddock that the Woking based squad was holding talks with Mercedes to return to their championship winning engine power.
No one would confirm it us over the weekend, we were just told that it was pure speculation, but the dissatisfaction from all involved was clear to see, even the jetpilots roaring overhead could feel the tension!
However, Alonso is not done with his Formula One career, despite the fact that he is 35 years of age, the fight and passion is still there every time you look into his eyes, but so is the disappointment and frustration at the machinery he is expected to do the impossible with.
Bottom line: McLaren don't want to lose him. Fernando doesn't want to leave F1, but improvements must come from Honda, and FAST. Another season at the back of the field or retired in the pits is certainly not an option he plans on taking up.
