I fully appreciate that among the ranks of Formula One’s officialdom any backing down to let historic bitter bygones be bygones is a rare trait dismissed only too readily as a weakness not to be tolerated.

But if Mercedes, and team boss Toto Wolff have any sense they will snub the traditional setback for their own good and hurry to recruit Fernando Alonso as the urgent replacement for the departed champion Nico Rosberg.

The barrier in too many minds, and maybe those in authority at Mercedes, is the 2007 so-called Spygate scandal. That’s when the double-champion was implicated in the crooked transfer of 780 pages of secret Ferrari technical documents to the then McLaren-Mercedes team that cost them a staggering record sporting fine of $100m.

Alonso left the badly damaged German legends after a single trouble-torn season. And it is widely believed Mercedes have not forgotten the part he played in damaging their reputation.

Memories are generally long in F1 and a lack of forgiving is second nature — but Mercedes would only be severely denting their own prospects if they regurgitate the bad feelings of all that length of time ago when there is a definite benefit to be gained if they sign up the hugely talented, fast and ambitious Spaniard.

He is contracted to McLaren, but there are always ways out and he cannot be happy with his lot struggling and driving for the faded force who do not look as if they are going to improve despite the vast investment by Japanese engine giants Honda.

McLaren’s incoming new boss Zak Brown insists Alonso is a contract fixture and says: ”We have a deal with him and he is very happy.”

I doubt that ... not when he is a committed competitor currently down among the also-rans in a flop of a car.

I am sure he would jump at the chance to join the world-beaters even if it meant partnering old foe Lewis Hamilton, far from his best friend, for a glorious final championship fling, even with a drop in his £30m-a-year-salary.

Toto Wolff, who could well be the instigator of second thoughts on the Mercedes verdict on 37-year-old Alonso’s past indiscretion, says: ”Fernando’s age is no problem. He is one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One.

“And he still has the speed, motivation and ability to be the world champion for a third time.”

He has drawn up a list of candidates for the most prized seat in F1 and will announce his decision in the next two weeks. “We are in for an interesting few days, ”he said, ”and there is a lot of speculation. I want to make sure that I make the right decision, one that is perfect for Mercedes and our worldwide fan base. I want a driver who can keep us in the forefront of the championship.”

Alonso’s message is: ”Given the right car I can do that, I know I can be the world champion again.”

So, come on Mercedes, for your own good, let bygones be bygones.

Right! That ‘s it. After an eventful season of Formula One fun and frolic my BR column is taking a welcome break. But we’ll be back with our usual updates and opinions, outrageous or not, in time for next season’s start on what promises to be a lively campaign. Meantime, dear reader, thanks for your support and encouragement.