Fernando Alonso confirmed on Thursday during the build-up to the United States Grand Prix that he has agreed to remain with McLaren for the 2018 season, with the deal described as "long-term".
The Spaniard had been considering a move following three seasons of stuggles at McLaren, but after the Woking squad's decision to switch from Honda to Renault power, Alonso was convinced to remain, although many believed it would have been a single-year deal to assess the situation.
Alonso however insists it's a "long term contract" and he remains confident it's the right place to be for the future.
"We never discuss the contract clauses and we are not going to do it now, but it's a long-term contract and we'll see how things go," Alonso said.
"But I'm very excited for next year, with different expectations, and keen to put McLaren back where it deserves to be. I want Australia to arrive already."
The two-time champion admitted he spoke to rival teams, as well as assessing other options including IndyCar, but chose to remain with McLaren.
"We weren't in a hurry, neither of us," he explained. "From the first moment I believed that McLaren's project – or at least the chassis side – had taken the right step in terms of aerodynamics and in terms of mechanical grip.
"We left all doors open, I talked to everybody who wanted to talk, with all the different projects I had on the table, but the most convincing one was McLaren's."
Alonso is excited by the possibilities Renault power will deliver in 2018, with Red Bull proving that race wins and regular podiums are a possibility.
"It's very exciting. Driving again for Renault, even though it's just the engine, is a good feeling.
"Red Bull has been showing it this year, with two cars on the podium in Japan, both cars on the podium in Malaysia, so we know what the Renault engine is capable of. Now we have to step up and make it happen."
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