Fernando Alonso dismisses Mercedes rumours

13 December 2016 07:23

Fernando Alonso has confirmed his commitment to McLaren amid speculation linking the two-time Formula One world champion to Mercedes.

Alonso visited McLaren's factory in Surrey on Tuesday during which he said his "only goal" was to remain at the marque and win another world title.

"I believe in this project, I'm committed and want to be world champion with McLaren-Honda," Alonso was quoted as saying on McLaren's Twitter page.

"That's my only goal."

Alonso is in his second spell at McLaren, after returning in 2015, and his contract is not due to expire until the end of next season.

Last week the 35-year-old's manager Flavio Briatore told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport that they would "respect" that agreement.

Mercedes have been on the lookout for a new driver following world champion Nico Rosberg's shock retirement earlier this month.

Rosberg claimed his first drivers' title at the final race of the season in Brazil, before revealing his decision to walk away from the sport five days later.

Mercedes have won the past three constructors' championships and have suggested they will not be rushed into finding a new team-mate for Lewis Hamilton.

Source: PA