Briatore claps back at Horner's Alonso criticism

Fernando Alonso's former mentor Flavio Briatore says it is "strange" that none of Formula 1's top teams have offered the Spaniard a chance to remain in F1 after it was confirmed he will leave McLaren - and the series altogether - at the end of 2018.

Alonso has seemingly ran out of patience at McLaren, who have failed to deliver a car capable of challenging in engine deals with both Honda and Renault.

His best result since returning to the team in 2015 is fifth place - a position he secured in this season's opening race in Australia.

With minor points places the limit of his ambitions, Briatore says it was understandable that Alonso would look to leave McLaren, but clapped back at a suggestion from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner that the veteran causing "chaos" had put off the top teams.

"I explain Fernando's decision - it just made no sense to go seventh or eighth," Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"A driver loses the motivation. I find it strange that in this Formula 1 apparently no place for such a talented driver as Fernando can be found.

"[Horner] has good talk! If there is a racing team that cannot handle drivers, then it is his. That's exactly why Daniel Ricciardo is leaving.

"Fernando drove for me. He glorified the Renault team, he was an exemplary team-mate for the other drivers, a benchmark for the mechanics."

Although Alonso has been widely tipped to sign a full-time deal with IndyCar in 2019, Briatore says the veteran's options remain open.

"Let's see. First, it is time to finish a Formula 1 season and the World Endurance Championship.

"I could understand it if he takes a break. Anyway, talking about a final farewell is too early. In Formula 1, things change very fast. One should never say never."