Fernando Alonso says he sees no reason not to stay with Alpine beyond 2022 if he and the team make sufficient progress in Formula 1.
Alonso returned to Formula 1 with the rebranded Alpine squad for 2021 and last week it was confirmed that the respective parties had exercised an option to continue for 2022.
Alonso has regularly stressed that he is still readapting to Formula 1 after spending two years competing in other categories following his exit from McLaren in 2018.
Alpine, meanwhile, holds fifth place in the standings – the same position it achieved in 2020 – but has not been a regular podium contender.
Aside from its standout display in Hungary neither Alonso nor team-mate Esteban Ocon have classified inside the top five in race trim.
“Well hopefully next year we have a package that we can fight for competitive positions, a step better than this year, that’s the target,” said Alonso.
“We had some expectations this year after the he podiums of Renault last year that we could fight for three or four podiums in the season, and we didn’t find that probably.
“I think Ferrari did improve a lot, AlphaTauri did improve, McLaren did a step forward with Mercedes engine.
“So, we find ourselves between eighth and 12th, and we want to improve this next year, that will be the target, that will encourage me probably to continue after that.
“And, on my side I need to keep improving. As I said many times, I’m not 100 per cent probably yet, and days like [qualifying in Belgium] shows me I need to improve in some areas.
“Next year, if I see some progress from myself and I keep improving and keep enjoying, why not keep racing?
“If I see I’m not up to speed or not doing a good job I will be the first one to raise my hand and say maybe a new face will be better for the team, but I hope not.
“I hope I can raise the hand and say I’m ready for the challenge in 2023.”
