Alonso backs Leclerc to end Mercedes dominance

Fernando Alonso has backed new Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to bring an end to the dominance that has been carried out in recent seasons by Mercedes.

The Silver Arrows have been victorious in the drivers' and constructors' championships for each of the last five seasons - ever since the sport's switch to V6 Hybrid power units back in 2014.

Alonso has experience in ending such dominance - with the former Renault driver winning the championship in 2005 - to end Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's four-year dominance in Formula 1.

"He (Leclerc) is young, intelligent, and talented," Alonso told Corriere della Sera. "I'm curious to see if the Mercedes cycle will end. I feel that moment is near.

The now retired F1 former world champion Alonso was asked if he had any advice to Leclerc, who moved from Sauber to Ferrari and is now preparing for his first season with Scuderia.

"Learn to score points (regularly), to help the team, and remember that the World Championship is decided between July and September," Alonso continued.