Feature: Are Fernando Alonso and Ferrari set to announce their divorce?

(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)

Ferrari and Fernando Alonso look set to be heading divorce at the end of the current season as it has emerged in the build up to this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix that talks between McLaren and the Spaniard have reopened with a view to them working together next season. Alonso joined McLaren in 2007 replacing Kimi Raikkonen at the Woking based team but the pair split just after one season with Alonso returning to Renault in 2008.

It has been reported that Alonso is growing increasingly impatient with the lack of progress at Ferrari having been with the team since joining from Renault in 2010 as Kimi Raikkonen's replacement. The Finn has now returned to the team following two season's with the Lotus F1 Team.

For his part, Alonso has refused to deny rumors linking him with a move away from Ferrari and said on Thursday in Japan that it is up to Ferrari to decide what they want to do. 

The reports about Alonso's imminent departure from Ferrari come as speculation mounts that their was an argument between the Spaniard's manager and Ferrari team boss Marco Mattiacci. Autosport reports that although no deal has yet been struck between the two parties an announcement is due in a matter of weeks that will see the pair part company despite the fact Alonso has another two years to run on his contract.

When asked on Thursday by Sky Sports News HQ if he had visited Honda this week Alonso replied 'no'.

So, IF Alonso does leave Ferrari at the end of this season, who are his possible replacements? Sahara Force India's Nico Hulkenberg could potentially be a candidate, however the German has stated that he expects to remain with the Silverstone based outfit next season as he has a long term deal in place with them.

Marussia's Jules Bianchi, who is part of Ferrari's young driver programme has stated that he feels that he is ready to move up to Ferrari if Alonso is to leave at the end of the season. There is also the possibility of Romain Grosjean teaming up with Kimi Raikkonen once again who he drove with at the Lotus F1 Team in 2012 and 2013.

So, IF Alonso does leave Ferrari for a return to McLaren who would he replace? An experienced line up of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso would seem to be the most logical move for Honda who return to F1 next season for the first time since 2008 as a 'works' engine partner. 

This would give the Woking based outfit the most experienced line up the most experienced line up on the grid as the Alonso and Button would have a combined 504 Grand Prix starts while they have a total of 147 podium finishes.

It is now a case of wait and see what happens over the next few weeks as the 2014 Formula One season reaches its climax.

© Ben Johnston 2014