Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff issued a simple one-line response when asked if there was any chance Fernando Alonso might race alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2019.

The Spaniard has had his future with McLaren called into question in recent weeks, with Spanish outlet Diario Gol twice reporting he could be heading for the exit at the end of this year.

Initially, they claimed it would be the British team pushing the double world champion out as part of attempts to cut costs having lost a sizeable chunk of revenue by splitting with Honda after last season.

More recently, the same source suggested the 36-year-old himself could call time as he remains frustrated at the lack of competitiveness.

At the same time, long-time manager and former Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore also indicated that perhaps Alonso should consider his options and make himself available for the seats up for grabs at Mercedes and Ferrari for next year.

Now, the Italian is reportedly at the Azerbaijan GP in Baku to begin the process of negotiating Fernando's future and, according to the Daily Mail, one of his destinations is Mercedes.

“Hamilton v Alonso II, now that would be fun,” the story read.

That refers to the turbulent partnership Lewis Hamilton and Alonso had when they were teammates at McLaren in 2007, as the Briton made his name for himself by almost becoming champion as a rookie.

Unhappy that he was not receiving preferential treatment, the current McLaren stormed to Renault before later joining Ferrari in 2010 and then returning to the British team for the renewal of the Honda partnership in 2015.

Nowadays, Alonso and Hamilton enjoy a greater respect for each other, but Wolff made it clear there would not be a seat for the Spaniard to step into.

“You don’t need another woman when you have a beautiful wife already,” said the Austrian, with the 'beautiful wife' obviously Hamilton.

Instead, should Mercedes decide not to keep Valtteri Bottas for another season then Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo remains a much talked about option despite rumours of talks with Ferrari.

As does Force India driver Esteban Ocon with the Frenchman linked to the German manufacturer through their young driver program.

Then there's whether Hamilton himself will stay with a new contract still unsigned and some now querying if the four-time champion is still motivated by F1 in the wake of a difficult start to 2018. 

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