Mercedes looks at signing Alonso to replace Rosberg

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team is looking at signing Spaniard Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, to replace current champion Nico Rosberg, who retired days after winning his title, the team's executive director Toto Wolff has said.

"You have to consider Fernando," Efe quoted Wolff as saying in an interview with Sky Sports on Tuesday.

"He is a driver I respect a lot. He combines talent, speed and experience. It's all there."

Mercedes, winner of the past three constructors titles, is looking for a driver to pair with Lewis Hamilton, a three-time world champion who has won two titles with Mercedes, following the 31-year-old Rosberg's surprise decision to retire five days after winning the championship.

The 35-year-old Alonso, the F1 world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, had a difficult relationship with Hamilton when the two drove for McLaren in 2007.

Alonso "is in a contract with McLaren-Honda at the moment and we just need to weigh all the other options," Wolff said.

Pascal Wehrlein, a 22-year-old former Mercedes test driver, appears to be the best option to replace Rosberg.

Wehrlein drove for Manor Racing, which uses Mercedes engines, in 2016.

--IANS

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