Fernando Alonso was once again pressed on whether he will remain in Formula 1 next season, as Aston Martin takes the first major steps of its revival from a difficult season so far.
The Spaniard has endured a miserable campaign, largely at the foot of the grid, with the Silverstone-based squad needing to nurse its package towards a variety of upgrades.
Its aero updates brought to Hungary saw Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll finish closer to the top 10 than on average so far.
And in Zandvoort, amid the introduction of Honda‘s updated power unit, Alonso produced a mega drive to finish ninth, scoring two points to add to the one he scored in Monaco.
The setback suffered by Aston has led to speculation that Alonso may choose to switch teams for a last hurrah in F1, or retire, having recently turned 45.
But speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, at Zandvoort, Alonso seemed hesitant to commit one way or the other, stating his love of the sport, but not its current regulations.
“I’ve said many times, the regulations are what it is. It’s not the best, the most fun cars to drive, but still, my life and Formula 1 have been… it will always be my life, and my heart is here,” he said.
“I will be with this team in one role or in another for the long term, so it’s not about myself or about who is driving next year, or if I’m driving next year or three more years. I don’t know.”
‘I need to drive something’
Alonso made himself open to a non-driving role with Aston Martin, upon conversations with Lawrence Stroll and Team Principal Adrian Newey, but made it clear that regardless of his decision, he will want to be racing in some form of competition or other.
“It’s sitting with Lawrence and with Adrian, and if the needs for the team are for me to drive, I will consider it,” he said.
“I will be happy if I can be more valuable in another position. I will consider it, and I will be happy as well, but I need to drive something.
“That’s something for sure. I need to race. I need to feel the adrenaline. I’m a competitor, and I have other challenges in my head.
“As I’ve said many times, to win the Dakar one day or to try again the Indy 500, or whatever is coming next, and also winning in Formula 1 a third world championship, which will obviously be the ultimate dream.
“Is that possible? I don’t know how long it will take to achieve that performance for this team; it’s going to be a very long time.
“Maybe I’m not behind the wheel, but that’s something that is all in my head.”
Alonso’s P9 finish at Zandvoort last time out would be a handy boost in confidence heading into the Italian GP, this weekend.
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