Claire Williams: 'Never sat at a table with Alonso!'

©WRI2

Williams deputy-team principal Claire Williams denied any past or ongoing talks with Fernando Alonso regarding a seat with the Grove-based outfit in 2018.

Rumors emerged last week at Spa that Williams had approached and sounded out the Spanish driver about a possible seat with the Mercedes-powered team.

But the story was news to Claire Williams.

"I read that with astonishment," she told Germany's Bild.

"I know nothing about it. I never negotiated with him -- never sat at a table with him," she insisted. 

Williams also laughed off suggestions that billionaire Lawrence Stroll could possibly chip in and help pay Alonso's massive retainer, as having him in the team could prove beneficial to his son, Lance Stroll. 

"Forget it," Claire Williams responded.

"Mr Stroll is a successful businessman because he does not throw money around like that."

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