JUNE 8, 2016

Alonso to decide F1 future next year

Fernando Alonso has admitted he is waiting to drive F1's next-generation cars of 2017 before deciding if he wants to stay in the category.

The Spaniard has made no secret that, after winning his titles in 2005 and 2006 with V10 and V8 power respectively, he enjoys the current 'power unit' and Pirelli-shod era less.

Alonso is therefore looking forward to 2017, when wider and bigger tyres and significantly more downforce are slated to slash between 5 and 6 seconds off laptimes.

2017 is also the last year of Alonso's current McLaren-Honda contract.

"At the moment I still enjoy driving," he told Germany's Sport Bild.

"It's my life and the only thing I can do really well.

"If the cars are not fun next year then I will change category," Alonso announced. "It is a goal for me to one day win the 24 hours of Le Mans."

The 34-year-old also said he does not regret leaving Ferrari at the end of 2014, insisting "It would have been too painful to finish behind Red Bull or Mercedes for a sixth and seven years".

"And I wanted to keep good memories of Ferrari, not painful ones," Alonso added.

(GMM)