Alonso departure kills McLaren deal

Spanish Formula one driver Fernando Alonso, holds his FIA Formula One World Championship trophy for the third driver overall, during the 2007 FIA Awards Gala in Monaco. Photo / Reuters

MADRID - Insurance company Mutua Madrilena said it had ended its sponsorship of the McLaren Formula One team after the departure of Spanish driver Fernando Alonso.

Double world champion Alonso this week signed a deal to drive for Renault next year and the unlisted Spanish company is expected to follow him back there.

However a spokesman for Mutua, a Renault sponsor when Alonso won his titles with the French team in 2005 and 2006, said the company had not had any discussions so far.

Mercedes-powered McLaren and British rookie Lewis Hamilton were vilified by the Spanish media for their alleged bad treatment of Alonso during the 2007 campaign.

Alonso finished third overall, level on points with runner-up Hamilton in a championship won by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

- REUTERS