Auto Racing

One of the major obsessions in the USA is retiring early. However, with people entering the job market ever later, rising costs across the board in housing, health and kids college education, coupled with globalization and a possibly bankrupt Social Security system, I would not be surprised if my generation never gets to retire.

So much for social commentary.

Now the craziest rumor around is that Fernando Alonso might be retiring at the end of this year, at the tender age of 27. Graham Hill had not even began his Formula 1 career at that age!!! The rumor says that if Alonso wins this year's title for McLaren, he will retire. Apparently he does not feel too good at McLaren anymore. In other words, he does not want to compete with Hamilton in the same team for the next few years, until a good opportunity arises.

Because there are no good opportunities anywhere else for Alsono, at the present time. BMW has announced it will keep Kubica and Heidfeld, not surprisingly. I don't think BMW wants a top driver until they get their first win. Ferrari will keep Raikkonen and Massa. The only other possible option would be Renault, but for a number of reasons I discussed in other blogs, I don't think Alonso would go back.

The startling thing is that in the short space of less than a year, Alonso has displayed prima-donna behavior, highly reminiscent of Nigel Mansell's tantrums, and fought with two different teams. If he keeps this up, nobody will want him!

In fact, this might be the problem. I do believe he is the best driver out there, at the present time, but honestly, give and take, the foursome at the head of the tables is quite evenly matched at the present time. Maybe if Alonso felt the whole team backed him up he could have Schumi like performance, but apparently, Hamilton has, knowingly or not, played with Alonso's head bigtime.

This might be an unlike rumor, given the millions of dollars involved in personal and team sponsorships. I don't think Alonso is that bullish on going into a lawsuit spree that will dwindle his life savings. He is wealthy by now, but he has not been doing this at the top level for too long to be able to spare millions of dollars in legal costs.

I still believe Alonso will race for McLaren next year, whether of not he wins this year's title. I would call this a bluff. Time will tell.