Fernando Alonso unsure of F1 future, but won't stop racing

In the midst of a disappointing season as an Aston Martin driver, Fernando Alonso isn't in a hurry to make a decision on his Formula 1 future.

The two-time F1 series champion (2005-06), racing in his 23rd season at the top level of competition, remains up in the air about the future of his Aston Martin contract, which expires at the end of this season.

"I'm not sure," Alonso said Thursday ahead of this weekend's race in Miami when asked about his future.

"I'm open to everything. I think until probably after the summer break I will not really sit down with the team and make the decision. We need to see also how the car improves and how we see things into next year. I'm very relaxed."

Alonso, 44, finished fourth in his first season with Aston Martin in 2023 followed by ninth and 10th the last two seasons. Car troubles have prevented him from finishing two of the first three Grand Prix of this season, hurtling him down to 21st in the driver standings.

"We have a tough start to the season but we are all embracing this challenge," Alonso said. "We are together on this, Aston Martin and Honda. Hopefully we can see some results and start having fun on the weekends."

He's won 32 career F1 races, but none since 2013.

While Alonso sounded uncertain about his future racing in F1, he made it clear that exit wouldn't mean he's done driving competitively.

"I will continue racing. If it's not F1, I will do Dakar (Rally)," Alonso said. "I said many times it's a challenge that I want to take, winning endurance racing, F1 and rally. That will probably be unprecedented for any racing driver in the past, so it's something that is very appealing."

Alonso previously didn't race in F1 during 2019 and 2020. He twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2018, 2019) and also won a World Endurance championship.

Regardless of whether he returns to drive for Aston Martin in F1 in 2027, Alonso also said he plans to be around the team.

"I will keep active even if I stop F1. I'm also linked with this team, with this project," Alonso said. "I want to succeed here, behind the wheel or not behind the wheel, you will see me in the paddock even if I stop racing."

--Field Level Media