‘I’ve been a little bit disappointed in Fernando because I’m a big supporter of him and of Ferrari,’ Ecclestone, 83, wrote in a foreword to the official Formula One season review.
‘I thought he gave up a little bit which is proof that he was looking for another team. ‘I don’t know whether the team is not competitive because of him or because the people who are running the team aren’t getting the job done,’ added Ecclestone.
Alonso finished the season as overall runner-up to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel who clinched his fourth title in four years to become the youngest quadruple champion.
McLaren made no secret earlier in the season that they would jump at a chance to sign Alonso, who had one turbulent year with them in 2007, should he become available.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo did, however, reprimand Alonso on the Spaniard’s birthday in July for unflattering comments he made about his car.
Ecclestone said he had always predicted Vettel would be ‘what he is’. ‘You probably have to say he’s number one of the drivers I’ve known,’ added he whose involvement with the sport goes back to 1950’s.
‘I thought he gave up a little bit which is proof that he was looking for another team. ‘I don’t know whether the team is not competitive because of him or because the people who are running the team aren’t getting the job done,’ added Ecclestone.
Alonso finished the season as overall runner-up to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel who clinched his fourth title in four years to become the youngest quadruple champion.
McLaren made no secret earlier in the season that they would jump at a chance to sign Alonso, who had one turbulent year with them in 2007, should he become available.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo did, however, reprimand Alonso on the Spaniard’s birthday in July for unflattering comments he made about his car.
Ecclestone said he had always predicted Vettel would be ‘what he is’. ‘You probably have to say he’s number one of the drivers I’ve known,’ added he whose involvement with the sport goes back to 1950’s.