Alonso: My time in F1 is not over

Although Fernando Alonso is adamant his Formula 1 career is far from over, he has reiterated that he may walk away after 2017 if he is not excited by the new rules.

Despite numerous questions about his future, Alonso is expected to remain in Formula 1 next season as it is the final year on his McLaren contract.

The Spaniard feels he is still in top form and reckons his technical knowledge has also made him a more attractive option.

“I don’t think that my time in Formula 1 is over,” he told Motorsport.com.

“I think I am driving at my best level now, and I have knowledge about the cars and the technical situation that allows me to push the car a little bit more to the limit.

“I’m very calm about the situation, I have a contract next year with this team again.”

The double World Champion explained that he draws inspiration from MotoGP star Valentino Rossi.

The 37-year-old went years without fighting for titles or even race wins, only to return to the front of the pack in what should be the twilight of his career.

“After some years that you are not fighting for the championship but you keep going, going, going, you know, sooner or later you will show your talent – as Valentino is doing now.

“That’s a kind of inspiration for us. You need to trust in yourself, and when you have the bike or the car that performs at the best level you will be there.

“Because you cannot forget how to ride a bike, or how to drive a car, in two or three years.”

Alonso, though, concedes he may not hang around after 2017 if the new regulations that come into effect next season fail to make the racing more exciting.

“The answer would be that in 2017 I have a contract in McLaren, and then in 2018 I will see how the cars excite me to drive. I don’t think that I’m now motivated to a competitive car or a change in team.

“Of course I want to win, and I want to do it as soon as possible. But next year I have a contract with McLaren, and the following year, it will not be related to car performance whether I continue or not.”