Alonso "lost motivation" for F1, according to Briatore

Flavio Briatore believes Fernando Alonso "lost motivation" for Formula One and that's why he decided to announce his retirement on Tuesday.

Flavio Briatore, the former Renault boss and someone who is still involved in Alonso's management team believes the Spaniard "lost his motivation" for Formula One and that was the reason he quit - but admits that he could still make a return one day.

Briatore believes Alonso got tired of not having a fast enough car to compete at the top and win races and that's why he's sitting out.

He also says that Alonso wants to put his focus on other categories he can race in, with the most speculated one being Indianapolis 500.

"It makes no sense for him to be seventh or eighth," Briatore explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, recently said that Alonso wasn't wanted by any of the 'top' teams because he divides them with his attitude and personality.

Briatore rejects this claim: "I'm friends with Christian. But I think he got too excited. I think if there is a team that cannot handle its drivers, it is his," he added.