F1: Fernando Alonso to make ‘important decision’ on his future
McLaren driver will consider his 2019 options after the summer break
McLaren ace Fernando Alonso has revealed to Sky Sports that he will make a decision on his Formula 1 future this summer.
The Spaniard, a two-time F1 world champion, raced in his 300th career Grand Prix in Canada last weekend but his McLaren team had a poor weekend in Montreal. After starting 14th on the grid Alonso failed to finish in Canada.
Alonso has been linked with a move to IndyCar and will also make his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race this weekend.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When asked about his plans for 2019 he told Sky Sports: “I don’t know, 2019 is still a long way ahead. Normally, I try to take my decisions after the summer break and this year is no different. An important decision is coming for sure.”
After seven races this season Alonso is seventh in the F1 drivers’ standings with 32 points while McLaren are fifth in the team standings with 40 points. Alonso admits it is tough competing against Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, but is optimistic for McLaren’s future.
“It is definitely challenging,” Alonso added. “The gap to the front guys is quite significant. But McLaren and Renault are here to win and have won many things in the past.
“I see a great future a bright future for this combination. I don’t know if the win will happen this year, next year or in five years. Definitely, this combination will bring nice results.”
IndyCar next for Alonso?
The Guardian adds that after McLaren’s Canada “failure”, Alonso might “call time on F1”. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has hinted that Alonso could become part of a reported McLaren IndyCar project.
Brown told Reuters that McLaren is “seriously considering IndyCar”. He said: “We have been doing due diligence for quite some time. As stated before if we are going to get into other forms of motorsport we need to do it in a way that doesn’t compromise our Formula 1 activities or we won’t consider it.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
2024: The year of conspiracy theories
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Global strife and domestic electoral tensions made this year a bonanza for outlandish worldviews and self-justifying explanations
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Five medical breakthroughs of 2024
The Explainer The year's new discoveries for health conditions that affect millions
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Top films coming out in 2025
The Week Recommends Pick up some popcorn and settle in for a cinematic treat
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Christian Horner and the Red Bull saga that refuses to go away
In the Spotlight 'Too dizzy-making' even for the 'merry-go-round world of F1'
By The Week UK Published
-
Max Verstappen: F1’s record-breaking world champion
In the Spotlight Red Bull star has surpassed records set by Schumacher, Vettel and Hamilton
By Mike Starling, The Week UK Published
-
F1 ‘silly season’ hits top speed as 2023 grid takes shape
Under the Radar Twitter explodes with news of driver moves, denials and rumours
By Mike Starling Published
-
Lewis Hamilton on his F1 future: ‘I have plenty of fuel in the tank’
Under the Radar Seven-time world champion finished second on his 300th grand prix start
By Mike Starling Published
-
F1: a bumpy start to the season for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
Under the Radar Only four races in and Mercedes already look off the pace
By The Week Staff Published
-
F1 Bahrain GP reactions: Ferrari ‘back with a bang’ as Leclerc ‘tames the beast’
feature The Tifosi celebrate a stunning one-two for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
By Mike Starling Published
-
F1 2022 season guide: race calendar, championship standings and 2023 grid
feature Max Verstappen has now won 14 of this season’s 20 grands prix
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published