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The F1 world is still waiting to hear if Fernando Alonso will still be on the grid in 2018. Following the McLaren-Honda split, it is expected the Spaniard will stay at the newly Renault-powered British team next year. But Alonso's self-imposed September contract deadline has long expired. Spain's El Mundo Deportivo quotes him as saying: "There is still no decision. So we'll see. I continue to have all the options open."
The newspaper said Alonso, who did the Indy 500 this year and has been linked with both Le Mans and the Daytona 24 hour race for 2018, is talking about "other categories" still being an option. "As I have said several times, one of my goals is to be the best driver in the world, the most complete in the world, and for that I still believe you have to win in other categories too and especially the 'triple crown'. That is one of my goals," Alonso, 36, added.
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"Sometimes we focus on F1 because it is the best competition in the world of maximum technology," he continued. "But there are other categories with other cars - with less technology - that require different driving and different skills and it is a major challenge for someone who specialises in something else," Alonso said.
However, he played down any claims a full-time switch to Indycar is on the cards. "The whole season at Indycar I do not have in my mind in the short term," said Alonso. "But the 500 miles, after my experience of this year, is attractive. I look at it for the future, but I do not know when that will be."
Alonso, a two-time F1 champion who has failed to add a third title to his tally in over a decade, also admitted that his motivation has changed over the years. "It's a different motivation," he explained. "When you start you have dreams of showing your talent to the world and having success in F1. Now, I remain motivated because there is expectation whenever you get into the car. I have responsibility for the results of the team," he said. (GMM)
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Replies (12)
Login to replyRindtchamp
Posts: 304
If Toto had any balls or true love of 'racing', he would have signed Alonso and not #2 Bottas who is useless.
xoya
Posts: 583
Agreed.
I beleive Alonso will retire, unless he gets a Mercedes seat for next season.
juju_hound
Posts: 180
Nonsense, bringing Alonso would make another war with Hamilton. Bottas is struggling sometimes but driving enough well to bring points to win Championship with Lewis for Mercedes.
denis1304
Posts: 284
if Ferrari stops coddling Vettel with No.2 driver and gets someone like Ricciardo or Max, then I think Ferrari would be leading in team W.C. standings and Bottas looses Mercedes millions $$
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Nope. More factors are at play here. I wouldn't sign him. I still can't believe that mcLaren had him back.
Barron
Posts: 625
This is about money. McLaren are offering him a pay cut and because Vandoorne is now showing his mettle, McLaren can afford to play hardball. They don’t actually need Fernando any more and because they have to pay for their PW’s now, they won’t be looking to meet Alonso’s high demands and nor should they..
Barron
Posts: 625
*PU’s* sorry...
Barron
Posts: 625
I was going to also say that Alonso’s presence did not attract any significant sponsors, so with Vadoorne beating him, what’s he worth?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Overall Im agreeing with you. I'll add to that that McLaren already did their part of the "bargain", when they split with Honda. They really dont afford to take it further, just to please Alonso. There simply is no money left for that kind of thing.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Toto, right not to sign him. two number 1's don't work, never have ask Alain Prost, and it didn't exactly work last time he was with Lewis!
FatMike
Posts: 153
As an Alonso fan I'm a bit sad about the way he is handling this. Besides the fact that he doesn't have any real other options in F1 (anymore at this moment) he really pushed McLaren to ditch Honda. In my opinion that should have meant a commitment at his end as well.
Barron
Posts: 625
Fair point....