Alonso 'could return to Ferrari', predicts Domenicali

Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has said that Fernando Alonso could return to Formula 1 quicker than expected. 

Domenicali was in charge of Ferrari from 2008 until 2014 and Alonso was at Ferrari for much of that time having joined from Renault in 2010. The two time World Champion then left Ferrari for McLaren in 2015 and after a few unsuccessful seasons decided to retire from Formula 1. 

However, Domenicali believes that Alonso might not be done with F1 and could yet return to the sport in 2020, possibly even with Ferrari, after taking a year out.

"It would be a great story, but it is something that should not be forced," he told Auto Bild this week. "But if in the future he makes that decision, why not?

"Of course it depends on whether Fernando returns and to all the other people involved and I leave that decision to them."

It is widely suggested that Alonso left Formula 1 due to the fact that the top teams did not like his personality which meant they wouldn't sign him. Domenicali believes: 

"When you work with these types of personalities, with that much talent, you cannot say if it is difficult or not difficult.

"The only thing I can say is that Alonso was very strong, he was very motivated, and he wanted to achieve so much,"

"If I am honest, saying that he is controversial is totally incorrect."

Alonso has not ruled out a return to Formula 1. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish driver ever returns.