Fernando Alonso says he will only make a decision on his future once McLaren’s plans for 2018 become clear.
McLaren is poised to end its partnership with Honda, following three years characterised by a lack of reliability and performance, and take up a supply of Renault power units.
Alonso is out of contract at the end of the year and his future has been a discussion point for several months, though his non-McLaren options in F1 appear restricted, with leading outfits having finalised their 2018 line-ups.
The Spaniard, though, insists he will only make his decision once McLaren formally outlines its 2018 intentions.
“As I said, I will think what is the best option,” he said ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“As I said many times, whatever I do next year it’s because I want to win. I will not be around in any series to be fighting for the top 10 or top 15, something like that.
“There are many options out there that I am studying and looking at.
“Formula 1 is my first and only priority, so I will wait to make a decision on that, before making decisions on other series.
“At the same time, I want to give time to my team, after the last three years, with some struggles that we went through together, to have time for them to make decisions, to see the future, next year’s car.
“After they take decisions, I will take mine. I want to stay loyal at least to that, and not make any decisions without them making first their decision.
“I’m relaxed, happy, and we’ll see what’s going on in the next weeks.”
Alonso added that “for my fans, and for motorsport lovers, they will have a fantastic 2018 season.
“The plan is ongoing and very good news is coming.”
McLaren has already retained Stoffel Vandoorne for 2018.
Discussion about this post