Sao Paulo - When Fernando Alonso announced his move to McLaren-Mercedes in December 2005 some wondered whether this was a wise decision. The sceptics wondered whether the early commitment would hamper his final season with Renault in 2006 and whether McLaren would have a competitive car for him.
But no one could have imagined at the time what would happen during the season which closes on Sunday with the Brazilian Grand Prix and could then see Alonso quit after just one year.
Coming off back-to-back world titles for Renault, the Spaniard was paired at McLaren with British rookie Lewis Hamilton who was expected to have a learning experience in his first F1 season.
"I feel really really happy with the move and really confident for the championship. At McLaren, I have found a great atmosphere, the people are really very focused on the target to come back with success and to regain the dominant position in Formula One," said the Spaniard ahead of the season-opening Grand Prix on March 18.
The latter the team did achieve as Hamilton and Alonso (along with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen) are fighting for the title with 107 and 103 points, respectively.
But Alonso's relationship with the team has deteriorated in such a way over the seven months that he expected to leave even if he gets a third title.
Hamilton stole the show from the outset when he finished third at the season-opening Australian GP, and has led the drivers standings ever since the Canadian Grand Prix in June.
Alonso would have probably not believed in his wildest dreams to be upstaged by Hamilton, and it clearly hurt the Spaniard that Hamilton has had a long-standing good relationship with team boss Ron Dennis.
"When you hear the declarations of your boss that he feels a paternal sentiment for one of your team-mates and rivals, then you know you can never have much trust in what that person will do," Alonso said earlier this month after a series of rows.
The season saw several rows and Alonso allegedly also played a role in the infamous spying affair with Ferrari - which cost McLaren all constructors' points and a 100-million dollar FIA fine - reportedly threatening Dennis to go to FIA with his knowledge.
All eyes will be on the two McLaren drivers on Sunday. McLaren has promised that it will "take every step that is within their control to ensure that both Fernando and Lewis will enjoy the same opportunity to win in terms of equality of car, engine, tactics and use of resources."
FIA have a special scrutineer looking at the duel. There is even speculation that Alonso may try to drive Hamilton off the track - even if it means that Raikkonen gets the title.
Regardless of the outcome the team will then decide on its future lineup after Sao Paulo - with Renault boss Flavio Briatore saying on several occasions that he will welcome Alonso back with open arms if he is released out of his two-year deal.
Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug admitted that "parting company can sometimes be necessary" and Alonso himself has also spoken in this direction.
"I have spoken a lot with (David) Coulthard, with (Juan Pablo) Montoya, with Kimi (Raikkonen), and they have all left the team and found a lot of happiness. There must be a reason," Alonso said.
