Fernando Alonso says he has an input with Ferrari as to who his team-mate will be, but cannot veto any potential new recruits.
Spaniard admits he discusses potential colleagues with Ferrari
Fernando Alonso has confirmed he has an input with Ferrari as to who his team-mate will be, but does not have the power of veto over any potential new recruits.
The Spaniard was being quizzed on the matter in Valencia ahead of this weekend's European Grand Prix as speculation of Sebastian Vettel driving for Ferrari in the future continues to grow.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali recently suggested that Alonso and fellow double world champion Vettel could "easily co-exist together" at the team.
At Ferrari Alonso says that, for the first time in his Formula 1 career, he has discussed the selection of team-mates with management, but stated that he does not have the final decision.
"In the past, never. At Ferrari, yes," he said when asked if he previously had any involvement at any other team when it came to selecting a team-mate.
"I'm in Italy every week, so when I'm there sometimes I see the president, I see Stefano and we talk about many things, about the future and team-mates as well."
He added: "It's an open chat, we talk, but in the end it's their decision."
Contract
Vettel currently has a contract with Red Bull Racing to the end of 2014, while Alonso is signed up with Ferrari through 2016.
Addressing the subject of one day partnering the German, Alonso echoed the sentiments of Di Montezemolo by stating that he would work alongside any driver brought in to partner him.
"With Ferrari rumours are always the same. When I won the 2005 championship with Renault I was immediately linked to Ferrari - and I arrived in 2010.
"So if Sebastian is linked now, maybe he'll arrive in five years' time. I don't know.
"But every summer it is the same with Ferrari, and at the moment we repeat the same thing, that we're extremely happy with Felipe (Massa).
"Whatever team-mate comes in the future will be welcome, will be part of the team and part of Ferrari.
"As I said when I joined this team, the most important thing in Ferrari is to help each other to make one red car win.
"It's something president (Luca) di Montezemolo is very clear on when you arrive at Ferrari. So whatever team-mate comes in the future - if he comes - will be no problem, and we will try to work together, as I do now with Felipe."
