Mercedes dismiss chances of signing Alonso

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has played down reports linking the Formula 1 constructors' champions with a move to sign Fernando Alonso in 2019. Alonso may hope to rival Daniel Ricciardo for the string of high-profile seats available next year, as his McLaren contract runs down.

Like Ricciardo, Alonso is not contracted for next season, although his future has not been treated with the same scrutiny as the Australian's.

Ricciardo played down suggestions that he has agreed a deal with Ferrari ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, claiming he has only held talks with current employers Red Bull.

A recent report in Alonso's native Spain suggested that the two-time world champion could be targeted by the Silver Arrows to partner Lewis Hamilton and bring the best out of the Briton.

However, Wolff distanced Mercedes from reuniting Alonso and Hamilton, who were fractious team-mates at McLaren in 2007.

"You don't need another woman when you have a beautiful wife already," Wolff is quoted by the Daily Mail when discussing interest in Alonso.

Discussion about Alonso's future has been heightened by the presence of Flavio Briatore in the Baku paddock.

The former Renault chief guided Alonso to his two titles in 2005 and 2006 and has previously spoken of his belief that the veteran deserves another crack at a leading team, having left Ferrari for McLaren just as they entered into a calamitous partnership with Honda.