Lauda Feels Alonso’s McLaren Move was Financially Oriented

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda was fairly ruthless regarding the situation that McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso. While the likes of Nico Rosberg and Mark Webber have been sympathetic, Lauda is not buying it. When Alonso left Ferrari in 2014, Lauda felt that the Spaniard only went for the money. Lauda said “He’s where he is because he wanted to make a lot of money at McLaren.”

His Team’s Future

Championship contender Lewis Hamilton also needs to talk about contracts as his expires at the end of 2018. However, Niki isn’t too desperate to sign him, he also spoke about the other drivers in rival teams.  Lauda said “2019 is still far away — I’m not worried. We will soon be able to say something about 2018. Personally, I’m very satisfied with Bottas. I think our lineup is the strongest, because together Vettel and Raikkonen are weaker and Verstappen and Ricciardo are less stable,”

Lauda was also quick to deny speculation that Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen were potential targets in the future. “Verstappen is waiting for a top car and is disappointed now, but he must fulfil his contract. Vettel will stay with Ferrari,” He added. “So it’s not an issue for us.” Meanwhile, the German marquee have confirmed that they have retained the services of Valtteri Bottas in 2018.

All Eyes on Singapore

This weekend, the destination is the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. Mercedes have admitted that they are not expecting to do well here and Ferrari and Red Bull will be stronger. But going by past experience, Mercedes have a history of downplaying their chances in the build up and come race day, dominate. Mercedes have already picked up two wins in the 2014 and 2016 editions. But then again, i could be wrong, who knows what will happen.